Cited by 58Adipokines, Inflammation, and Metabolic DiseasesExercise and Physiological ResponsesMuscle Physiology and Disorders

Myokines: Metabolic regulation in obesity and type 2 diabetes

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Chen, Zhi-Tian, Weng, Zhi-Xuan, Lin, Jiandie D, Meng, Zhuo-Xian·2024·Life Metabolism

Abstract

Skeletal muscle plays a vital role in the regulation of systemic metabolism, partly through its secretion of endocrine factors which are collectively known as myokines. Altered myokine levels are associated with metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). The significance of interorgan crosstalk, particularly through myokines, has emerged as a fundamental aspect of nutrient and energy homeostasis. However, a comprehensive understanding of myokine biology in the setting of obesity and T2D remains a major challenge. In this review, we discuss the regulation and biological functions of key myokines that have been extensively studied during the past two decades, namely interleukin 6 (IL-6), irisin, myostatin (MSTN), growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), apelin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), meteorin-like (Metrnl), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA), Musclin, and Dickkopf 3 (Dkk3). Related to these, we detail the role of exercise in myokine expression and secretion together with their contributions to metabolic physiology and disease. Despite significant advancements in myokine research, many myokines remain challenging to measure accurately and investigate thoroughly. Hence, new research techniques and detection methods should be developed and rigorously tested. Therefore, developing a comprehensive perspective on myokine biology is crucial, as this will likely offer new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity and T2D and may reveal novel targets for therapeutic interventions.

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  • Power training (PT) may amplify the myokine response, contributing to the observed reductions in body fat and improvements in body composition.

    “PT, by involving intense and repeated contractions of large muscle groups, may amplify this myokine response, contributing to the observed reductions in body fat and improvements in body composition [37,38].”

    From Efficacy of Power Training on Sarcopenic Obesity in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A 32-Week Randomized Clinical Trial (2025) · cites this paper as [38]

    The Introduction (page unavailable) says myokines regulate adipose-tissue mass and browning, while the Conclusions say exercise affects myokine levels. The Conclusions also caution that different forms of exercise may have different effects. The paper does not establish that power training specifically amplifies the myokine response or that this response caused the cited reductions in body fat and improvements in body composition. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Skeletal muscles function as an endocrine organ by releasing myokines in response to contraction, which can influence fat metabolism, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.

    “Skeletal muscles function as an endocrine organ by releasing myokines in response to contraction, which can influence fat metabolism, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.”

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Authors
Chen, Z.-T., Weng, Z.-X., Lin, J. D., & Meng, Z.-X.
Affiliations
  • Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University (CN)
  • University of Michigan (US)
  • Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University, School of Medicine (CN)
Corresponding author
  • Lin, Jiandie D
  • Meng, Zhuo-Xian
Venue
Life Metabolism
Published
2024-03-02
Volume
3
Issue
3
Pages
loae006-loae006
ISSN
2755-0230 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4392351638
Cited by
58
References
346
Citations by year
2026: 29 · 2025: 27 · 2024: 2
FWCI
3.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Life Metabolism (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFA0800403, 2021YFC2701903)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (91857110, 81670740, 32000817, 82100904, 82300910)
  • National Outstanding Youth Science Fund Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (81722012)
  • Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LZ21H070001, LHDMD22H02001, LHDMD24H030001)
  • Innovative Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Zhejiang University
  • Fundamental Research Funds
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Adipokines, Inflammation, and Metabolic Diseases
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Muscle Physiology and Disorders
Keywords
myokines, skeletal muscle, obesity, type 2 diabetes, interleukin-6, irisin, myostatin, GDF11, FGF21, apelin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Metrnl, SPARC, musclin, Dickkopf-3, physical activity, organ crosstalk, energy homeostasis, metabolic regulation

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