Post by Louisa Nicola, MMed

I just read a fascinating review on myokines, and it changes how we think about exercise. Your muscles are not just for movement. They act like an endocrine organ, releasing signaling molecules during exercise that communicate with the brain, fat, liver, pancreas, bone, and immune system. For example: • IL-6 from muscle increases glucose uptake and fat oxidation • Irisin and meteorin-like help turn white fat into metabolically active brown-like fat • Cathepsin B and irisin can increase BDNF and support brain plasticity • Myokines like IL-15 may even improve skin aging • Exercise-induced IL-6 also triggers anti-inflammatory pathways Researchers have now identified 650+ myokines that coordinate whole-body adaptations to exercise. In simple terms, muscle contraction sends biochemical signals that regulate metabolism, cognition, inflammation, and tissue health across the body. Exercise is not just about burning calories. It is system-wide molecular communication. Source: https://lnkd.in/gyEMaPyJ