The healing power of muscles. The miracle substance myokines!

Myokines, the miracle substance

For a long time it has been known that enough exercise is the most effective means for a long, healthy life. Why this is so was long unknown and to this day is partly still not known. In 2007, the discovery of myokines brought us closer to solving the riddle. Myokines were discovered by Professor Bente Pedersen from Denmark.

What are myokines?

Myokines are a new, highly effective substance that is formed by the body and has a very strong health-promoting effect. However, myokines are only formed when we move and our muscles are active. During sport, the muscle therefore functions like a gland. The effect of all myokines has not yet been clarified, though. Apparently there are over 200 different hormone-like substances that are released by the muscle, provided it is being used. So not all myokines have been researched yet.

Which substances are known? (not exhaustive)

Interleukin 6 (IL-6)

The first myokine found in the blood after muscle activity was interleukin 6 (IL-6). IL-6 has an anti-inflammatory effect in the body and promotes sugar uptake in the muscles. Prolonged inactivity increases the amount of TNF (tumour necrosis factor) in the body. This thus leads, among other things, to chronic inflammation. Inflammation in the body is the breeding ground for diseases such as cancer.

Greater exhaustion of the muscles leads to a higher release of IL-6. So, also from a health perspective, make sure you train with sufficient intensity.

Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

Movement stimulates the formation of BDNF in the brain. In addition, when muscles are activated, it is also formed in the muscle cells. BDNF therefore influences long-term memory and can have an antidepressant effect or improve the effect of antidepressants.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1)

IGF-1 is a peptide hormone. IGF-1 influences cell growth and is structurally very similar to insulin. It is formed mainly in the liver through the stimulation of growth hormone, but also in the muscle cells. It exerts its effect on the muscle cell by occupying receptors, which trigger a cascade of signals inside the cell, for example an increase in muscle protein synthesis. In addition, IGF-1 docking to its receptor also inhibits the breakdown of muscle protein.

Sources:

Cotman, Carl W.; Berchtold, Nicole C.; Christie, Lori-Ann (2007): Exercise builds brain health. Key roles of growth factor cascades and inflammation. In: Trends in neurosciences 30 (9), S. 464–472. DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2007.06.011.

Pedersen, B. K. (2009), The diseasome of physical inactivity – and the role of myokines in muscle–fat cross talk. The Journal of Physiology, 587: 5559–5568. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2009.179515

Pedersen, Bente K. (2011): Exercise-induced myokines and their role in chronic diseases. In: Brain, behavior, and immunity 25 (5), S. 811–816. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.02.010.