Abstract

In the continuous search of researchers to find an effective method to control obesity, a myokine called Irisin was found. Irisin is secreted mainly by skeletal muscle in response to exercise, either resistance, strength or high intensity, where High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is included. This polypeptide hormone acts mainly on subcutaneous adipose cells, turning white fat into brown fat. Brown fat is highly thermogenic, which enhance raising of total energy expenditure and helps maintaining or loosing corporal weight. Plasmatic Irisin levels are related positively with insulin sensitivity and weight loss. It has been also discovered that a greater plasmatic level of Irisin is related to the lengthening of telomeres, to a greater concentration of free tyrosine (T4) and it has been recently found that is related to an antitumoral effect on some types of cancer. All of the functions mediated by Irisin, have given it a protective action against different diseases, especially metabolic ones. The aim of this review was to update the knowledge about Irisin, and to show the effects that exercise has on its plasmatic levels, as well as comprehend how does the release of irisin influences different body systems. Counting with more information will allow the arising of new lines of investigation that will bring up non pharmacological therapeutic strategies for the treatment of non-communicable diseases