Key hormones for the control of muscle mass: Myokines

Skeletal muscle is an active metabolic tissue, and muscle health is crucial for maintaining quality of life. During muscle contraction, skeletal muscle cells secrete various proteins called myokines, which participate in the autocrine regulation of muscle and modulate structure and metabolism of other tissues and organs. Myokines have been identified to regulate skeletal muscle glucose and lipid metabolism, protein synthesis and degradation, as well as muscle regeneration, playing a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass and preserving muscle metabolic homeostasis, and alleviating muscle atrophy. In this review, we summarize the various biological functions of classical myokines, with a particular focus on their role in maintaining muscle mass and function, which may help us understand the effects of myokines on skeletal muscle physiology and pathology.