The Emerging Role of Irisin in Cardiovascular Diseases

J Am Heart Assoc. 2021 Oct 19;10(20):e022453. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.121.022453. Epub 2021 Oct 8.

Abstract

Irisin, a novel hormone like polypeptide, is cleaved and secreted by an unknown protease from a membrane-spanning protein, FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5). The current knowledge on the biological functions of irisin includes browning white adipose tissue, regulating insulin use, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Dysfunction of irisin has shown to be involved in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Moreover, irisin gene variants are also associated with cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on irisin-mediated regulatory mechanisms and their roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; exercise; irisin; vascular function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / pathology
  • Fibronectins* / physiology
  • Humans

Substances

  • FNDC5 protein, human
  • Fibronectins