Research

Hormonal

Exercise stimulates the release of 'exerkines' (signaling molecules like IL-6, 12,13-diHOME, and musclin) that mediate systemic health benefits, including improved cardiac function and metabolic flexibility.

Engaging in regular exercise triggers the release of beneficial signaling molecules (exerkines) from your muscles, fat, and liver that protect your heart and metabolism. You don't need to manage these molecules directly; consistent physical activity is the key to activating them.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
We subsequently focus on exercise-stimulated circulating biochemicals (“exerkines”) as a paradigm for understanding the global health circuitry of exercise, and discuss important concepts in this emerging field before highlighting exerkines relevant in cardiovascular health and disease.
Jeremy Robbins et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2023

Why this rating

The paper is a review of emerging research, noting that 'exact tissue sources of many of the exercise-induced plasma biochemicals remain uncertain'.

Source

Exercise, exerkines, and cardiometabolic health: from individual players to a team sport

Jeremy Robbins et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2023

DOI 10.1172/jci168121

narrative_reviewCited 29×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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