Cigrovski Berkovic M, Cigrovski V, Ruzic L. Role of irisin in physical activity, sarcopenia-associated type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular complications. World J Methodol 2025; 15(4): 105462 [DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v15.i4.105462]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Maja Cigrovski Berkovic, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department for Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology, Horvacanski Zavoj 15, Zagreb 10000, Croatia. maja.cigrovskiberkovic@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Methodol. Dec 20, 2025; 15(4): 105462 Published online Dec 20, 2025. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v15.i4.105462
Role of irisin in physical activity, sarcopenia-associated type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular complications
Maja Cigrovski Berkovic, Vjekoslav Cigrovski, Lana Ruzic
Maja Cigrovski Berkovic, Lana Ruzic, Department for Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
Vjekoslav Cigrovski, Department of Sport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
Author contributions: Cigrovski Berkovic M contributed to the supervision of the research, manuscript drafting, and writing; Cigrovski Berkovic M, Cigrovski V, and Ruzic L contributed to the data collection and analyses. All authors approved the final version of the Manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Authors have no competing interest to declare.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Maja Cigrovski Berkovic, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department for Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology, Horvacanski Zavoj 15, Zagreb 10000, Croatia. maja.cigrovskiberkovic@gmail.com
Received: January 23, 2025 Revised: March 21, 2025 Accepted: April 3, 2025 Published online: December 20, 2025 Processing time: 193 Days and 23.2 Hours
Abstract
Irisin is a chief myokine released during physical activity and has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic effects on different metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. This review explores the intricate connections between irisin, physical activity, sarcopenia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular complications. Experimental data suggests that through irisin release, physical activity positively influences muscle health, metabolic regulation, and cardiovascular function. In individuals with sarcopenia, characterized by progressive muscle mass and function loss, irisin plays a pivotal role in maintaining muscle integrity and function. Additionally, irisin’s beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism suggest its involvement in the pathophysiology of T2DM. The review will examine how irisin may modulate the development of cardiovascular complications, particularly in the context of diabetes and aging. Additionally, it will explore its potential as a therapeutic target for managing sarcopenia, T2DM, and cardiovascular complications, underscoring the importance of physical activity in mitigating these interconnected health challenges. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which irisin mediates these effects and assess its clinical applicability in preventing and treating metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.
Core Tip: Physical inactivity, sarcopenia, and diabetes are interrelated conditions, each exacerbating the others. The impact of these issues is significant, particularly on the cardiovascular system. Irisin, a myokine with autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine functions, may play a key role in metabolic health and could serve as an adjunct to the pharmacological management of prediabetes and diabetes. The exact mechanisms through which irisin exerts its beneficial effects, and the optimal levels for the therapeutic potential, need further investigation. Moreover, assessing irisin levels in response to different exercise types and intensities could be valuable in customizing individualized exercise plans for patients with diabetes and related complications.
