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Updated: Sep 11, 2025
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Preparation and Culture of Myogenic Precursor Cells/Primary Myoblasts from Skeletal Muscle of Adult and Aged Humans
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Exerkines and myokines in aging sarcopenia
Huan Wang1, Wenbi He1, Peishan Chen1
1Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|August 13, 2025
Summary
Exercise-induced myokines and exerkines combat aging sarcopenia by enhancing muscle energy, repair, gene expression, and neuromuscular function. These molecules offer a promising therapeutic strategy for maintaining skeletal muscle health in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Physiology
- Skeletal Muscle Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss, significantly impacts older adults' health and mobility.
- Exercise is a proven intervention for sarcopenia, with myokines and exerkines identified as key mediators.
- Understanding these exercise-induced factors is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the protective mechanisms of exerkines and myokines on aging skeletal muscle.
- To elucidate how these molecules enhance skeletal muscle mass and function.
- To highlight their potential as therapeutic agents against sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on exercise physiology and molecular mechanisms of sarcopenia.
- Analysis of studies investigating exerkine and myokine signaling pathways.
- Synthesis of evidence on the effects of these factors on muscle repair, regeneration, and neuromuscular function.
Main Results:
- Exerkines and myokines mediate energy diversion to skeletal muscle, boosting supply.
- They enhance satellite cell activity, promoting muscle repair and regeneration.
- These molecules upregulate muscle regeneration genes while inhibiting atrophy-related genes.
- Improved neuromuscular junction function enhances neural control of skeletal muscle.
Conclusions:
- Exerkines and myokines provide multifaceted protection against age-related skeletal muscle decline.
- Their combined actions represent a significant therapeutic avenue for combating sarcopenia.
- Targeting these pathways could preserve muscle mass and function in aging populations.
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