Muscle-brain crosstalk mediated by exercise-induced myokines - insights from experimental studies.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of preclinical and rodent mechanism studies
PubMed 39687518 · doi:10.3389/fphys.2024.1488375
What was done
This narrative review synthesized experimental literature, primarily from rodent studies, examining how exercise-induced myokines mediate muscle-brain crosstalk. It focused on signaling factors thought to cross the blood-brain barrier (including BDNF, irisin, cathepsin B, IL-6, and IGF-1) and their relationship to central nervous system function and impairment.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data or effect sizes. It qualitatively describes findings that exercise-stimulated factors (such as BDNF, irisin, CTSB, IL-6, and IGF-1) are hypothesized to cross the blood-brain barrier directly and promote neuronal proliferation, synaptic plasticity, cognitive enhancement, and improved behavioral outcomes. It also highlights that multi-organ source tracking remains limited, leaving current evidence regarding the exclusive skeletal muscle origin of these circulating factors largely circumstantial.
Why it matters
Understanding the molecular messengers connecting muscle contraction to brain remodeling helps clarify the biological pathways through which physical exercise supports cognitive health and mitigates neurological disorders.
Limits
The review relies primarily on rodent models rather than human clinical data. The abstract provides no quantitative meta-analysis, systematic review protocol, or study counts. Determining the precise role of skeletal muscle remains challenging because many of these factors are co-expressed and released by other tissue types, such as adipose tissue and the liver.
Cited by
- supports Muscle tissue functions as an endocrine gland by secreting chemicals that regulate metabolism and positively influence brain health.