The myokine irisin: effects on the brain and therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative diseases

    
Gisina A.M.1 , Yarygin K.N.1

1. Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
Section: Review
DOI: 10.18097/PBMCR1640      PubMed Id: 41556070
Year: 2025  Volume: 71  Issue: 6  Pages: 379-399
Epidemiological studies indicate a consistent global increase, including in the Russian Federation, in the number of patients with cognitive impairments associated with neurodegenerative diseases and various affective disorders. In this context there is a clear need in the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for their corrections. Good evidence exists that regular physical activity improves cognitive functions and alleviates depression. Working muscles secrete biologically active substances known as myokines, which regulate muscle recovery and functions of internal organs, endocrine glands, the immune system, and the brain. This results in a coordinated response of organs and systems aimed at restoring functional activity of the body after physical exercises and improves memory and learning ability. Patients with cognitive impairments or depression are often unable to engage in regular physical activity due to physical limitations or decreased motivation. Therefore, pharmaceuticals that mimic the effects of muscle activity are a promising therapeutic option. One potential direction in this field could be the development of drugs based on the myokine irisin, which is produced during physical exercise and exerts a range of beneficial effects on cognitive function and mood. This review summarizes existing data on the effects of physical exercise on cognitive function in health and disease; it describes the physiological effects of irisin, and presents the proposed mechanisms of irisin action on cognitive function and symptoms of depression.
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Keywords: myokines, irisin, depression, neurodegenerative diseases
Citation:

Gisina, A. M., Yarygin, K. N. (2025). The myokine irisin: effects on the brain and therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative diseases. Biomeditsinskaya Khimiya, 71(6), 379-399.
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