Interorgan Crosstalk Mediated by Exerkines: the Role of Exercise in Health and Disease

In the last few years, humoral factors (peptides, metabolites, and RNAs) secreted into circulation by different organs in response to acute exercise or regular training have gained attention. These factors, called exerkines, are involved in cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neurological health regulation. Their molecular targets and receptors have been found throughout the body, including, fat, liver, bone, heart, immune, pancreas, brain cells, and skeletal muscle. Moreover, those signaling molecules have been described to have potential roles in improving metabolic outcomes, as well as in preventing non-communicable disease development. Still, the molecular mechanisms as well as exerkines interorgan crosstalk that underlie the beneficial effects of exercise, remain poorly understood.

The aim of this Research Topic is to point out the mechanisms underlying the pro-health and protective effects of exercise mediated by the secretion of exerkines. Whether these effects are observed in response to acute or chronic physical activity is still under debate. A comprehensive understanding of organ crosstalk related to exercise will help to formulate specific preventive or therapeutic plans.

This Research Topic will bring together recent work exploring the role of exerkines in interorgan crosstalk triggered by acute or chronic exercises. We welcome both original papers and up-to-date reviews and mini reviews that cover but are not limited to the following topics:

• whether regular physical activity alters the concentration of circulating exerkines associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or obesity

• physiological role of circulating exerkines in the adaptation to exercise and their beneficial effect on whole-body homeostasis

• defining the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) paradigm and the molecular mechanisms of exercise training in exerkines regulation