Potential effect of Irisin on sarcopenia: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Muscle Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sarcopenia, a progressive musculoskeletal disorder linked to aging, involves loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, increasing mortality risk.
• Currently, no FDA-approved medications exist for sarcopenia treatment, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
• Irisin, a myokine released during exercise, has emerged as a potential factor in muscle health and metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of irisin in sarcopenia.
• To evaluate irisin's reliability as a biomarker for sarcopenia diagnosis.
• To assess irisin's promise as a therapeutic agent for managing sarcopenia.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across major scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase).
• Studies were screened for relevance to irisin and sarcopenia, with eligible studies undergoing rigorous quality assessment.
• Included studies comprised human, animal, and cell-based experiments investigating irisin's role in sarcopenia.

Main Results:

• Out of 364 identified studies, 21 met the inclusion criteria (12 human, 9 animal/cell studies).
• Human studies suggest irisin may serve as a diagnostic marker for sarcopenia in elderly and postmenopausal populations.
• Evidence indicates that increased irisin levels, particularly those induced by exercise, may enhance skeletal muscle mass and improve muscle function.

Conclusions:

• Irisin demonstrates potential therapeutic effects for sarcopenia and could be a future treatment option.
• Current evidence is limited by a lack of high-quality studies, and the precise mechanisms of irisin's action in sarcopenia remain unclear.
• Further high-quality research is essential to fully elucidate the relationship between irisin and sarcopenia and its clinical utility.