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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Isolation of Human Myoblasts, Assessment of Myogenic Differentiation, and Store-operated Calcium Entry Measurement
Published on: July 26, 2017
Two-Way Communication Between Skeletal Muscle and Myokines
Tengteng Huang1, Shihao Zhou1, Xiaoling Chen1
1Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, P. R. China.
Cell Biochemistry and Function
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Exercise stimulates skeletal muscle to release myokines, bioactive molecules that regulate various organs and promote overall health. This review explores the complex, exercise-responsive communication network between muscle and myokines.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Molecular biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Skeletal muscle releases myokines, bioactive molecules that mediate communication between organs.
- Exercise significantly influences myokine production and release.
- Myokine-mediated crosstalk impacts multiple physiological systems, including metabolism, immunity, and bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on exercise-responsive interactions between skeletal muscle and myokines.
- To elucidate the bidirectional signaling network involving skeletal muscle and myokines.
- To identify gaps in understanding the feedback regulation within this network.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on myokines and exercise.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in myokine production and action.
- Examination of the role of muscle fiber type in myokine expression.
Main Results:
- Skeletal muscle acts as a central hub, releasing hundreds of myokines.
- Myokines influence skeletal muscle metabolism, mass, and fiber type.
- Exercise-induced signals contribute to systemic adaptations like immune mobilization and gut microbiota remodeling.
- Evidence suggests a complex, exercise-responsive regulatory framework, though bidirectional feedback is not fully established.
Conclusions:
- The skeletal muscle-myokine axis represents a critical communication network influenced by exercise.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the integrated bidirectional feedback mechanisms.
- Myokines play a vital role in mediating the systemic benefits of physical activity.
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