Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 30, 2026 2 hours, 7 minutes ago
Medical News: A naturally occurring molecule released during physical activity is drawing growing attention for its potential to protect the aging brain. Scientists are now closely studying irisin, a hormone-like protein produced by muscles during exercise, as a possible key to slowing cognitive decline and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
The exercise-induced hormone irisin may help protect brain cells and preserve memory during aging
The Growing Challenge of Brain Aging
As people grow older, the brain undergoes gradual changes that reduce its ability to produce energy efficiently. This decline is linked to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to neurons. Over time, these processes contribute to serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body, using a significant portion of total energy despite its relatively small size. When energy production falters, brain cells become vulnerable, leading to memory problems, slower thinking, and eventually neurodegeneration.
Irisin Emerges as a Key Protective Molecule
Irisin is released when a protein called FNDC5 is broken down during physical activity. Once in circulation, it acts as a signaling molecule that connects muscle activity with brain function. Researchers from the Department of Animal Physiology at The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland, have explored how irisin may regulate brain energy and protect neurons.
Studies suggest that irisin can reach the brain and influence its internal processes. It plays a role in improving neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form and reorganize connections, especially important for learning and memory.
Boosting Brain Growth and Survival Signals
One of irisin’s most important actions is increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. This protein supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth of new ones. Higher BDNF levels are strongly associated with better memory and cognitive performance.
Irisin also activates a critical biological pathway involving AMPK and PGC-1α. This pathway helps cells sense energy demand and respond by producing more energy and improving cellular efficiency. As a result, brain cells become more resilient to stress and damage.
In addition, irisin influences rapid signaling pathways inside neurons that help regulate memory formation. These fast-acting mechanisms complement longer-term changes in gene expression, creating both immediate and lasting benefits for brain function.
Protecting the Brain’s Energy Factories
Mitochondria, often described as the power plants of cells, play a crucial role in maintaining brain health. When mitochondria become damaged, they produce less energy and more harmful molecules, accelerating aging and disease. Irisin appears to support mitochondrial health by promoting their repair, improving their efficiency, and regulating their structure. It helps balance processes
known as fusion and fission, which are necessary to maintain a healthy mitochondrial network. This
Medical News report highlights that irisin may also stimulate the removal of damaged mitochondria through processes like mitophagy, preventing the buildup of cellular waste that can harm neurons.
Implications for Alzheimer’s and Other Disorders
Research in animal models shows that increasing irisin levels can improve memory, restore synaptic function, and reduce inflammation in the brain. In some cases, it has been linked to better cognitive performance and reduced signs of neurodegeneration.
Irisin may also help regulate autophagy, a process that clears damaged proteins and cellular components. This is especially important in diseases like Alzheimer’s, where toxic protein buildup plays a central role in disease progression.
Challenges in Turning Science into Treatment
Despite promising findings, scientists caution that much remains unknown. It is still unclear exactly how irisin enters the brain, how it interacts with receptors, and how its effects may vary between individuals.
Factors such as age, metabolic health, and physical activity levels may influence how much irisin is produced and how effectively it works. More human studies are needed to determine whether irisin can be developed into a reliable therapy.
Conclusion
Irisin represents a powerful biological link between exercise and brain health, offering hope for slowing age-related cognitive decline. By improving energy balance, enhancing neuronal survival, and supporting mitochondrial function, it may become a valuable target for future therapies. However, translating these discoveries into real treatments will require deeper research to confirm its safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits in humans.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Cells.
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15/7/603
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