Physical Activity and the Myokine Irisin as a Non-Pharmacological Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
- Authors: Gibizov Y.A., Vagapova L.B., Aguzarova A.O., Nazarova Y.V., Zotkina Y.A., Atamanyuk E.A., Rodikova M.M., Timergaleev R.N., Kupriyanov A.M., Chuprina A.A., Aslakhanov A.I., Veremiichuk V.Y., Maryin A.O.
- Section: Review
- Published: 21.05.2025
- URL: https://rjpbr.com/1681-3456/article/view/677844
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/rjpbr677844
- ID: 677844
Cite item
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory impairment, synaptic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. Currently available treatments are primarily aimed at temporarily alleviating symptoms without addressing the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the development of non-pharmacological approaches capable of slowing AD progression and improving cognitive function. One such promising avenue is the investigation of irisin—a myokine secreted in response to physical exercise—which has been shown in recent studies to exert multifaceted neuroprotective effects. Irisin participates in the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, promotes neurogenesis, enhances insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, and reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Preclinical studies demonstrate that irisin administration improves memory performance, spatial learning, and synaptic plasticity in animal models of AD. Moreover, physical activity—which naturally stimulates irisin secretion—has shown a positive impact on cognitive function and overall well-being in individuals with AD. This review summarizes current findings on the mechanisms of irisin action and its role in the pathogenesis and potential treatment of AD. The need for further clinical studies is emphasized, particularly those aimed at exploring pharmacological modulation of irisin and integrating physical exercise into comprehensive treatment programs. Irisin is thus considered a promising target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.
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About the authors
Yuriy A. Gibizov
Author for correspondence.
Email: sadreit@rambler.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0004-2126-1813
Russian Federation
Liza B. Vagapova
Email: vagapova.li@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0006-5148-6794
Alina O. Aguzarova
Email: aguzarova20021410@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-5879-7570
Yuliya V. Nazarova
Email: nazar-yulia2015@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-2589-3538
Yana A. Zotkina
Email: zotckina.yana@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0008-5204-4386
Ekaterina A. Atamanyuk
Email: ekaterina_ataman@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0006-2719-664X
Mariya M. Rodikova
Email: rodikova_00@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0008-9183-6888
Rafael N. Timergaleev
Email: rafa-el99@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-5632-1394
Aleksandr M. Kupriyanov
Email: mgaine@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-4931-0261
Anastasiya A. Chuprina
Email: Chuprinik5@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-8268-2511
Azamat I. Aslakhanov
Email: azamat.aslakhanov@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-1878-2739
Victoria Yu. Veremiichuk
Email: dr.veremiychuk_vu@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-4056-346X
Anton O. Maryin
Email: antonmarin241@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0004-2472-4828
References
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