Irisin as an agent for protecting against osteoporosis: A review of the current mechanisms and pathways

Xinli Hu; Zheng Wang; Wei Wang; Peng Cui; Chao Kong; Xiaolong Chen; Shibao Lu

doi:10.1016/j.jare.2023.09.001

Irisin as an agent for protecting against osteoporosis: A review of the current mechanisms and pathways

J Adv Res. 2023 Sep 3:S2090-1232(23)00237-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.09.001. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Xinli Hu¹, Zheng Wang¹, Wei Wang¹, Peng Cui¹, Chao Kong², Xiaolong Chen³, Shibao Lu⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100053, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China.
² Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100053, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China. Electronic address: kong988500@163.com.
³ Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100053, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China. Electronic address: chensmalldragon@163.com.
⁴ Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100053, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China. Electronic address: spinelu@163.com.

PMID: 37669714
DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.09.001

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is recognized as a skeletal disorder characterized by diminished bone tissue quality and density. Regular physical exercise is widely acknowledged to preserve and enhance bone health, but the detailed molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Irisin, a factor derived from muscle during exercise, influences bone and muscle. Since its discovery in 2012, irisin has been found to promote bone growth and reduce bone resorption, establishing a tangible link between muscle exertion and bone health. Consequently, the mechanism by which irisin prevents osteoporosis have attracted significant scientific interest.

Aim of the review: This study aims to elucidate the multifaceted relationship between exercise, irisin, and bone health. Focusing on irisin, a muscle-derived factor released during exercise, we seek to understand its role in promoting bone growth and inhibiting resorption. Through a review of current research article on irisin in osteoporosis, Our review provides a deep dive into existing research on influence of irisin in osteoporosis, exploring its interaction with pivotal signaling pathways and its impact on various cell death mechanisms and inflammation. We aim to uncover the molecular underpinnings of how irisin, secreted during exercise, can serve as a therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.

Key scientific concepts of the review: Irisin, secreted during exercise, plays a vital role in bridging muscle function to bone health. It not only promotes bone growth but also inhibits bone resorption. Specifically, Irisin fosters osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization predominantly through the ERK, p38, and AMPK signaling pathways. Concurrently, it regulates osteoclast differentiation and maturation via the JNK, Wnt/β-catenin and RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathways. This review further delves into the profound significance of irisin in osteoporosis and its involvement in diverse cellular death mechanisms, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.

Keywords: Bone; Cell death; Exercise; Irisin; Muscle; Osteoporosis.

Publication types

Review