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Myokines and Microbiota: New Perspectives in the Endocrine Muscle-Gut Axis
Federica Saponaro1, Andrea Bertolini1, Riccardo Baragatti1
1Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 56, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
Nutrients
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Skeletal muscle acts as an endocrine organ, releasing myokines and exerkines that influence whole-body health. Exercise and gut microbiota interactions reveal new therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases and muscle decline.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Skeletal muscle functions as both a mechanical and endocrine organ.
- It secretes myokines (at rest) and exerkines (during/after exercise) influencing inter-organ communication.
- These signaling molecules impact brain, cardiovascular, and immune systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of skeletal muscle as a mechanical and endocrine organ.
- To explore the communication pathways involving myokines and exerkines.
- To emphasize the muscle-gut axis and its implications for health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of skeletal muscle physiology and endocrinology.
- Analysis of signaling molecules like interleukins, irisin, and myostatin.
- Examination of the bidirectional communication between skeletal muscle and gut microbiota.
Main Results:
- Skeletal muscle influences systemic health through secreted myokines and exerkines.
- Exercise modulates gut microbiota composition, impacting host metabolism.
- Gut microbiota metabolites, such as SCFAs, affect muscle function and insulin sensitivity.
- Dysbiosis is linked to muscle atrophy, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- The muscle-gut axis represents a critical interface for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
- Myokines and exerkines are promising therapeutic targets for age-related muscle decline and metabolic diseases.
- Understanding these interactions can lead to novel strategies for health optimization.
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