Irisin exhibits neuroprotection by preventing mitochondrial damage in Parkinson’s disease

npj Parkinson’s Disease, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-023-00453-9 · Published: January 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

Exercise is considered a good way to help Parkinson's patients without using drugs. Irisin, a substance increased by exercise, helps with energy use in the body. This study checked if irisin could protect against Parkinson's. The study found that Parkinson's patients had more irisin in their blood after exercising for 12 weeks. This increase was linked to better balance. Treating models of Parkinson's with irisin improved movement and reduced nerve damage. Irisin also helped cells avoid death by improving the function of mitochondria (the cell's power source) in these models. This involved less stress, better activity of certain mitochondrial components, more mitochondria, and improved mitochondrial structure.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

23 PD patients and MPTP-treated mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Regular exercise increased serum irisin levels in PD patients, which correlated positively with improved balance function.
2
Exogenous irisin improved motor function and reduced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in MPTP-treated mice, a model for PD.
3
Irisin reduced cell apoptosis by restoring mitochondrial function, decreasing oxidative stress, and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration in PD models.

Research Summary

This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of irisin, a myokine, in Parkinson's disease (PD) models. It demonstrates that exercise increases serum irisin levels in PD patients, correlating with improved balance function. Exogenous irisin administration improves motor function and reduces dopaminergic neurodegeneration in MPTP-treated mice by alleviating apoptosis and oxidative stress. Irisin exerts its protective effects by activating Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways through integrin receptors, leading to improved mitochondrial function, biogenesis, and dynamics.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Peripherally delivered irisin may be a promising therapeutic candidate for preventing or treating PD.

Exercise Benefits

Highlights the importance of regular exercise for PD patients, as it increases irisin levels and improves balance function.

Mitochondrial Health

Focuses on maintaining mitochondrial health as a key strategy for neuroprotection in PD.

Study Limitations

1
The study's PD models are based on neurotoxins and may not fully replicate the α-synuclein accumulation seen in human PD.
2
The retrospective data of PD patients requires prospective trials to further validate the effect of irisin.
3
The specific mechanisms by which exercise-induced benefits are irisin-dependent remains undetermined.

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