Newly discovered hormone released after exercise could indicate biological age6 March 2014 Scientists from Aston University (UK) have discovered a potential molecular link between Irisin, a recently identified hormone released from muscle after exercise, and the ageing process. The research team led by Dr James Brown have proven a significant link exists between Irisin levels in the blood and a biological marker of ageing called telomere length. Telomeres are small regions found at the end of chromosomes that shorten as cells within the body replicate. Short telomere length has been linked to many age-related diseases including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Irisin 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. Using a population of healthy, non-obese individuals, the researchers found that people with higher levels of Irisin also had longer telomeres. The finding provides a potential molecular link between keeping active and healthy ageing: those having higher Irisin levels are ‘biological younger’ than those with lower levels of the hormone. Dr James Brown from Aston’s Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, said: “Exercise is known to have wide ranging benefits, from cardiovascular protection to weight loss. Recent research has suggested that exercise can protect people from both physical and mental decline with ageing. Our latest findings now provide a potential molecular link between keeping active and a healthy ageing process." Irisin itself is secreted from muscle in response to exercise and 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 weight loss effects, which in turn could help with conditions such as type-2 diabetes. Reference Rana KS et al. Plasma irisin levels predict telomere length in
healthy adults, Age, DOI: 10.1007/s11357-014-9620-9
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