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Review
. 2025 May 23;136(11):1407-1432.
doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325614. Epub 2025 May 22.

Skeletal Muscle as a Mediator of Interorgan Crosstalk During Exercise: Implications for Aging and Obesity

Julia A Shero  1   2 , Maléne E Lindholm  3 , Marco Sandri  4 , Kristin I Stanford  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Skeletal Muscle as a Mediator of Interorgan Crosstalk During Exercise: Implications for Aging and Obesity

Julia A Shero et al. Circ Res. .

Abstract

Physical exercise is critical for preventing and managing chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sarcopenia. Regular physical activity significantly reduces cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Exercise also enhances metabolic health by promoting muscle growth, mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved nutrient storage while preventing age-related muscle dysfunction. Key metabolic benefits include increased glucose uptake, enhanced fat oxidation, and the release of exercise-induced molecules called myokines, which mediate interorgan communication and improve overall metabolic function. These myokines and other exercise-induced signaling molecules hold promise as therapeutic targets for aging and obesity-related conditions.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; epinephrine; hypertension; muscle, skeletal; sarcopenia.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

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