The Role of Irisin and Physical Activity in Breast Cancer - Review

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah

Irisin, a myokine released during physical activity, is examined as a mediator of exercise’s protective effects against breast cancer. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from experimental models, clinical trials, and observational studies, focusing on exercise-induced irisin secretion and downstream cancer-related pathways. Irisin is described as regulating AMPK/mTOR, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and TGF-β signaling, reducing inflammation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and EMT while promoting apoptosis and metabolic balance. Preclinical and clinical correlations support its biomarker and therapeutic potential.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time58 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Materials and Methods

doi: 10.21873/invivo.14284 Review The Role ofIrisin and Physical Activity in Breast Cancer MONA WIATR1, ALEKSANDRA PARTYŃSKA2, PIOTR DZIĘGIEL2,3 and MAREK WOŹNIEWSKI1 1 Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Medicine and Oncology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland; 2 Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 3 Department of Human Biology and Cosmetology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland Abstract Background/Aim: Irisin, a myokine released during physical activity, has been proposed as a mediator of exercise’s protective effects against breast cancer (BC). This review underscores the critical role of irisin in mediating the anticancer effects of exercise and its potential application in BC prevention and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Studies published up to 2025 were identified in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Data from experimental models, clinical trials, and observational studies were analyzed with emphasis on exerciseinduced irisin secretion and its effects on cancer-related pathways. Results: Irisin, derived from the precursor FNDC5 upon PGC-1α activation in skeletal muscle, regulates cancerassociated pathways by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), inhibiting mammalian target-of-rapamycin (mTOR), modulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, and influencing transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) activity. These actions reduce chronic inflammation, tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while enhancing apoptosis and metabolic balance. Preclinical studies demonstrate irisin’s capacity to limit BC cell viability, migration, and metastasis. Clinically, higher circulating irisin levels correlate with reduced tumor aggressiveness, fewer metastases, and better survival, though tumor may overexpress irisin as a local adaptive response. Regular moderate physical activity appears most effective in stimulating irisin secretion, although optimal exercise parameters remain to be determined. Conclusion: Irisin exerts multifaceted anticancer effects and holds promise as a biomarker and therapeutic target in BC. Its role as a mediator of exercise benefits supports the inclusion of regular moderate physical activity in BC prevention and prognosis strategies. Further research is needed to define clinical applications and optimal exercise regimens for maximizing irisin potential. Keywords: Ιrisin, breast cancer, physical activity, cancer progression, review. ✉ Mona Wiatr, Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Medicine and Oncology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego 35, 51612 Wroclaw, Poland. Tel: +48 601855665, [e-mail:](e-mail: mona.wiatr@awf.wroc.pl)[ mona.wiatr@awf.wroc.pl](e-mail: mona.wiatr@awf.wroc.pl) Received September 16, 2025 | Revised February 2, 2026 | Accepted February 26, 2026 This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. ©2026 The Author(s) . Anticancer Research is published by the International Institute of Anticancer Research. Introduction The awareness of the importance of physical activity in everyday functioning has been growing significantly in recent years, which can be observed across social, cultural, and scientific domains. Public health campaigns, the growing popularity of healthy living on social media, and an increasing number of scientific studies all support this trend. The beneficial role of regular physical activity is particularly evident in cardiovascular diseases, but it is also increasingly emphasized in the context of chronic diseases and cancer, including breast cancer (BC) . Malignant neoplasms represent one of th

FAQs

What is the main focus of the review?

The review focuses on how irisin, released during physical activity, may mediate exercise’s protective effects against breast cancer and influence cancer-related pathways.

Which signaling mechanisms are highlighted for irisin’s anticancer effects?

Irisin is reported to affect AMPK and mTOR, modulate PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling, and influence TGF-β activity, leading to reduced inflammation and tumor progression processes.

How does the review relate physical activity intensity to irisin secretion?

It indicates that regular moderate physical activity appears most effective for stimulating irisin secretion, while optimal exercise parameters still require determination.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah