Description
Follistatin (FST) is a naturally occurring protein that inhibits myostatin and activin, powerful proteins that limit muscle growth, leading to increased muscle mass, reduced fat, and potential benefits in muscle-wasting diseases like Becker Muscular Dystrophy, though it’s banned in sports due to its performance-enhancing effects and can have links to metabolic issues like diabetes. It’s a glycoprotein that binds members of the TGF-β superfamily, produced in various tissues, with different isoforms (like FST-315 and FST-344) having varying functions and affinities, influencing muscle development, bone, and hormonal regulation.
Key Functions & Effects
Muscle Growth: Primarily by blocking myostatin, it promotes muscle cell development and growth.
Hormonal Regulation: Inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release from the pituitary gland.
Anti-Inflammatory: Can reduce inflammation in tissues like the synovial membrane
