Muscle as a secretory organ

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Endocrinology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Skeletal muscle, the body's largest organ, is crucial for movement and posture.
• Traditionally viewed as a locomotor component, recent research reveals its endocrine function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the concept of myokines as muscle-secreted peptides.
• To explore the communication role of skeletal muscle with other organs via myokines.
• To investigate the potential link between myokines and exercise-induced health benefits.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific evidence on skeletal muscle secretory function.
• Definition and classification of myokines.
• Analysis of the muscle secretome and its components.

Main Results:

• Skeletal muscle is identified as a secretory organ producing hundreds of peptides, termed myokines.
• Myokines exert autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine effects, facilitating inter-organ communication.
• Muscle contraction influences the production of many myokines.

Conclusions:

• Myokines represent a novel paradigm for understanding muscle-organ crosstalk.
• Myokines released by skeletal muscle may mediate the systemic health benefits of physical activity.
• Further research into myokines can uncover new therapeutic targets for metabolic and other diseases.