Irisin: Its significance in the diagnosis and treatment of post-stroke depression

Irisin, a myokine secreted by muscles, has recently garnered extensive attention in the medical field. Irisin exhibits multiple biological functions, such as enhancing energy metabolism, regulating neurotransmitters, and providing neuroprotection via diverse signaling pathways. Over recent years, a growing body of research has been engaged in exploring the connection between irisin and post-stroke depression (PSD). Clinical trials have confirmed that irisin level in stroke patients generally shows a downward trend. Irisin's role in the relationship with PSD might be related to its regulation of neural plasticity, modulation of neuroinflammation, production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), regulation of neuroendocrine function and neurotransmitters, and maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis. Furthermore, numerous studies have demonstrated that injecting recombinant irisin into animal models or elevating the irisin level through exercise may have a promising therapeutic effect on PSD. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of unified conclusions regarding the optimal injection dosage of irisin and the most effective exercise protocol, which urgently require further exploration. In summary, available evidence suggests that irisin may serve as a potential indicator for the early detection and treatment of PSD, providing new perspectives for future clinical applications and scientific research.