Abstract

Irisin is an adipomyokine involved in white adipose tissue browning, therefore, could be a key protein in metabolic health. However, exercise effects on irisin in subjects with overweight and/or obesity are conflicting. Therefore, this systematic review aims to search and analyse the literature available on this topic. From three databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Medline, clinical studies published between 2010 and 2021 were con-sidered. From 134 found, 14 studies were included. Only six reported plasma increases after exercise (similar to 1.2 to 3-fold from pre-exercise levels). In addition, only 1 reported significant increases in skeletal muscle irisin mRNA levels (similar to 2-fold). Also, irisin was measured from subcutaneous adipose tissue and saliva, where a similar to 2-fold increase in its protein levels was found in the latter. Exercise seems to increase the circulatory concentrations of irisin in subjects with overweight or obesity. However, this response is highly variable, therefore, a more integrative approach is urgently needed.