What is the Origin of Resistance Training Myokine Release?

This concept emerged from the discovery of interleukin-6 (IL-6) release from muscle in the early 2000s, leading to the classification of muscle as an endocrine organ. Myokine is a synthesized term from the Greek myo (muscle) and kinos (movement), denoting a signaling molecule released upon contraction. The term underscores the profound systemic benefits of muscular activity beyond simple strength gains.

What is the Mechanism of Resistance Training Myokine Release?

The mechanical stress and metabolic demands of resistance training trigger the muscle cell to release myokines, including irisin, myostatin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These molecules then travel through the bloodstream to regulate glucose metabolism in the liver, enhance fat oxidation in adipose tissue, and promote neurogenesis in the brain. The quantity and profile of myokine release are dependent on the intensity and volume of the resistance exercise protocol.

Resistance Training Myokine Release ∞ Area

Resistance Training Myokine Release

Meaning

The acute, post-exercise endocrine phenomenon characterized by the secretion of various signaling proteins, termed myokines, from contracting skeletal muscle fibers into the circulation following resistance exercise. These myokines act as autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine hormones, mediating a systemic anti-inflammatory effect and cross-talk with distant organs like the liver, adipose tissue, and brain. This release is a crucial mechanism linking muscular activity to metabolic health and longevity.