The Emerging Roles of Myokines: How Your Muscles Communicate with Your Organs

In recent years, the scientific community has uncovered fascinating insights into how our muscles communicate with other organs in our body through substances known as myokines. I first came across myokines last year and have been fascinated by them ever since. Their discovery highlight the importance of physical activity not only for muscle health but for overall well-being. Understanding the roles of myokines and how they interact with various organs can help us appreciate the broader benefits of staying active. For me certainly they are a motivator to get and keep active. I am always reminded of my time working with elderly people in the community. Those who were still living at home were often those who remained most active throughout their lives. I am reminded of my own 89 year old Dad here who did a physically active job all his life. This activity I feel is standing to him now as he remains very mobile and agile despite dealing with multiple health conditions.

What Are Myokines?

Myokines are a type of protein released by muscle cells in response to contraction. When you exercise, your muscles produce these proteins, which then travel through the bloodstream to other organs, influencing their function. This process is known as muscle-organ crosstalk.

Key Myokines and Their Roles

1. Irisin:
   • Function: Converts white fat cells (which store energy) into brown fat cells (which burn energy), aiding in weight loss and metabolic health.
   • Example: Regular activities like brisk walking or cycling can increase irisin levels, helping to improve your metabolism.
2. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF):
   • Function: Supports the survival and growth of neurons, enhancing brain function and mental health.
   • Example: Engaging in aerobic exercises like running or swimming can boost BDNF, potentially improving memory and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases .
3. Interleukin-6 (IL-6):
   • Function: Plays a role in immune response and inflammation. IL-6 can have both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects depending on the context.
   • Example: Strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, can regulate IL-6 levels, contributing to better immune function and reduced chronic inflammation .

Practical Examples to Be Physically Active

1. Walking or Jogging:
   • Benefit: Improves cardiovascular health, increases irisin and BDNF levels, and boosts overall mood.
   • How to Start: Begin with a 10-minute walk daily and gradually increase the duration and intensity.
2. Strength Training:
   • Benefit: Enhances muscle strength, regulates IL-6, and supports metabolic health.
   • How to Start: Use bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges, or incorporate light dumbbells or resistance bands into your routine.
3. Yoga:
   • Benefit: Reduces stress, improves flexibility, and can influence myokine production positively.
   • How to Start: Follow online tutorials or join a local class to learn basic poses and techniques.
4. Cycling:
   • Benefit: Boosts cardiovascular health, increases irisin, and can be a fun, low-impact way to stay active.
   • How to Start: Use a stationary bike at home or explore your local bike paths for a scenic workout.
5. Swimming:
   • Benefit: Full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular fitness, increases BDNF, and is gentle on the joints.
   • How to Start: Find a local pool and aim for 30 minutes of swimming a few times a week.

Conclusion

Understanding the roles of myokines underscores the importance of regular physical activity for holistic health. These powerful proteins facilitate communication between muscles and other organs, promoting a wide range of benefits from improved metabolism and immune function to enhanced brain health. By incorporating various forms of exercise into your daily routine, you can harness the power of myokines to support your overall well-being. So, lace up those trainers, grab your yoga mat, or hop on your bike – your muscles and organs will thank you! Remember also that anything is better than nothing, start slowly and do not under estimate the benefit of any and all movement for health and wellbeing.

References

• Myokine. ScienceDirect Topics. Read more
• Pedersen, B.K., & Febbraio, M.A. (2020). Muscle–organ crosstalk: The emerging roles of myokines. Endocrine Reviews, 41(4), 594-609. Read more
• Bathina, S., & Das, U.N. (2015). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications. Archives of Medical Science, 11(6), 1164-1178. Read more