Research has shown that calorie restriction in the past generations
was a contributing factor to extend lifespan in mammals. Irisin (a newly identified
hormone released from muscle after exercise) is thought to induce similar
effects along with increasing thermo-genesis in adipose tissue causing browning
of subcutaneous white/beige adipose tissue leading to caloric burning and some
weight reduction.
Exercise has a definite effect on the body, scientists have
been working on the theory; how exercise talks or communicates with the body
for some time with the discovery of irisin we are getting some answers finally.
This new hormone has been dubbed irisin, as a nod to the Greek messenger
goddess Iris for its ability to send information to surrounding body tissue. Irisin
is produced by muscle contractions, either by exercise or shivering. Once it's
produced, it moves through the blood and turns white fat cells into brown ones.
It is capable of reprogramming the body's fat cells to burn energy instead of
storing it. This increases the metabolic rate and is thought to have potential
anti-obesity effects.
Exciting New Life
span prolonging Effects
James Brown, from Aston University United Kingdom, and
colleagues enrolled 81 healthy men and women, ages 18 to 83 years with a mean
body mass index (BMI) of between 20 and 30 kg/m2, in a study to
assess whether a molecular link exists between circulating irisin levels and
the length of telomeres (the endcaps of chromosomes which are thought to be a
marker of aging). The team found that subjects with higher levels of Irisin
also had longer telomeres. Relative telomere length can be predicted by
age and plasma irisin levels, with this deduction the study authors conclude
that: "irisin may have a role in the modulation of both energy balance and
the ageing process.”
It’s exciting to find a natural substance connected to
exercise that has such clear therapeutic potentials. Further research is
ongoing to study the effects and side effects and possible use in weight loss,
obesity and age related disease prevention or life prolonging supplementations.
Even if the hormone proves safe for humans to take as a supplement, it won’t
replace all the benefits of going to the gym, but it might help people fight
obesity and remain more sensitive to glucose, thus fighting off diabetes or
other age related diseases.
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