Skeletal muscle stretching as a mechanotransductive trigger for myokine release: A narrative review

Skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ by releasing myokines—cytokines and peptides that mediate systemic physiological adaptations. This review synthesizes evidence establishing mechanical stretching (active/passive) as a potent mechanotransductive stimulus for myokine secretion. Key pathw...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hossein Shirvani, Maryam Naghibzadeh, Seyed Ebrahim Hashemi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: JEOCT publisher 2025-03-01
Series:Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk
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Online Access:https://www.jeoct.com/article_224366_40b3041b979640235e1bd1ca11daee74.pdf
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Summary:Skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ by releasing myokines—cytokines and peptides that mediate systemic physiological adaptations. This review synthesizes evidence establishing mechanical stretching (active/passive) as a potent mechanotransductive stimulus for myokine secretion. Key pathways include integrin-mediated signaling, stretch-activated ion channels (Piezo/TRP), and mechanosensitive transcriptional regulators (YAP/TAZ), which activate MAPK, calcium-dependent kinases, and other cascades to modulate myokine gene expression. We highlight stretch-responsive myokines (IL-6, irisin, myostatin, BDNF, SPARC) and their roles in metabolism, tissue repair, and inflammation. Clinical implications for aging, metabolic disease, and rehabilitation are discussed, emphasizing how targeted stretching protocols may harness myokine-mediated benefits in mobility-limited populations. Future research directions include optimizing stretch "dosing" and elucidating tissue-specific myokine actions.
ISSN:2783-2074