The Myokine Mandate refers to the critical, multifaceted role of myokines, which are small signaling proteins and peptides secreted by skeletal muscle fibers in response to muscular contraction, in regulating systemic metabolism and inter-organ communication. This concept elevates muscle from a purely locomotor organ to a key endocrine gland that exerts a powerful, regulatory influence over the entire body’s hormonal and metabolic landscape. It underscores the profound systemic benefits of physical activity.
Origin
This term is conceptual, emerging from the discovery and characterization of myokines, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Irisin, primarily by researchers in exercise physiology and endocrinology in the early 2000s. The ‘Mandate’ signifies the non-negotiable importance of muscle activity in maintaining whole-body health and hormonal homeostasis. It is a guiding principle in preventative and longevity medicine.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves the secretion of myokines into the bloodstream, where they act in an autocrine (on the muscle cell itself), paracrine (on adjacent cells), or endocrine (on distant organs) manner. These signaling molecules influence glucose uptake, fat oxidation, immune function, and brain health. For example, myokines can enhance insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue and liver, cross the blood-brain barrier to promote neurogenesis, and reduce chronic inflammation, thus exerting a comprehensive, positive mandate over metabolic and hormonal signaling.
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