Irisin reduces inflammatory signaling pathways in inflammation-mediated metabolic syndrome

• Published in: Molecular and cellular endocrinology Vol. 552; p. 111676
• Main Authors: Slate-Romano, John J., Yano, Naohiro, Zhao, Ting C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 15.07.2022
• Subjects: cell viability; Cytokines; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - metabolism; endocrinology; energy expenditure; exercise; Fibronectins - metabolism; glucose tolerance; homeostasis; Humans; inflammasomes; Inflammation; insulin resistance; lipids; macrophages; Metabolic Syndrome; muscles; osteoblasts; permeability; Signal Transduction; white adipose tissue
• ISSN: 0303-7207; 1872-8057; 1872-8057
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111676

Irisin is an exercise induced myokine first shown to induce the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) which increases energy expenditure, improves glucose tolerance, and reduces insulin resistance. Among irisin's involvement in lipid homeostasis, osteoblast proliferation, and muscle growth, it also acts as a mediator of many inflammatory pathways throughout the body. This review aims to describe the role of irisin in inflammatory processes and understand how targeting irisin can alter the inflammatory response in metabolic syndrome (MetS). The mechanisms involved in irisin's anti-inflammatory functions include reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, reducing macrophage proliferation, inducing alternatively activated (M2-type) macrophage polarization, inhibiting pathways of increased vascular permeability, and preventing the formation of inflammasomes. While there are some contradictory results, most studies found reduced levels of irisin in MetS and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Irisin treatment of cells exposed to inflammatory stimuli ameliorates the inflammatory response and promotes cellular viability. Numerous methods have been studied to increase plasma irisin levels including dietary, behavioral, and pharmaceutical. Further investigation is necessary to understand how irisin can be targeted for disease modification. [Display omitted] •Irisin is an exercise induced myokine that inhibits pro-inflammatory pathways.•Irisin reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases anti-inflammatory cytokines.•Irisin mediates macrophage proliferation and induces M2 polarization.•Irisin reduces vascular permeability and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome.•Irisin reduces inflammatory activation in metabolic syndrome.