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.