Myokines
Myokines are signaling proteins released by contracting skeletal muscle, making muscle an endocrine organ that communicates with the brain and body. Molecules such as irisin, BDNF, and IL-6 released during exercise support neuroplasticity, mood, metabolism, and inflammation control, and are a leading mechanism behind exercise’s cognitive and antidepressant benefits. They biologically link physical activity to brain health.
Too little may be associated with
Physical inactivity; reduced exercise-driven muscle–brain signalling.
Too much may be associated with
Not typically applicable; some markers rise transiently with intense exercise.
Informational only — not medical advice.
Organ systems
Brain areas
Stimuli that influence it
Behaviors
Books (3)
Research (8)
- A single bout of resistance or high-intensity interval training increases anti-cancer myokines and suppresses cancer cell growth in vitro in survivors of breast cancer Bettariga et al. (2025) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Multifactorial Mechanism of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity. Role of Physical Exercise, Microbiota and Myokines Bilski et al. (2022) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Exercise Therapy for People With Sarcopenic Obesity: Myokines and Adipokines as Effective Actors Alizadeh (2022) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Elevated cerebral perfusion and preserved cognition in elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes: Evidence for neuroprotection Stacey et al. (2021) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Sarcopenia and Muscle Aging: A Brief Overview Dao et al. (2020) PubMed ↗
- Immunological Responses to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu High-Intensity Interval Training Session Ide et al. (2019) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Physical and Physiological Profiles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes: a Systematic Review Andreato et al. (2017) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Neuromuscular responses to simulated brazilian jiu-jitsu fights da et al. (2014) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
Links
Community
Log in to rate and share your notes.
No contributions yet.