Skeletal muscle can express and release substances such as cytokines or other peptides capable of modulating metabolic processes. These cytokines, named 'myokines', function as hormones either locally within the muscle or by targeting distant organs. A novel peptidic myokine named 'irisin' has been recently identified. It has been noted that circulating irisin levels are lower in type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with nondiabetic controls as well as in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, a negative correlation between the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and circulating levels of irisin has been also observed. Thus, the blood concentration of irisin may reflect the metabolic status of patients suffering from metabolism disorders. In addition to glycemia or HbA1c, 'irisinemia' may also become a new promising concept employed to monitor metabolic disorders such as T2D or obesity, representing a novel and useful tool in the management of metabolic diseases in the near future.
© 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.