Myokines as a Factor of Physiological Inflammation

Currently, a new approach to the concept of “inflammation” has been formed. Increasing evidence indicates that cellular and molecular mediators of inflammation are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including tissue remodeling, metabolism, thermogenesis, and nervous system function. Given the diversity of biological processes involving inflammatory signals and cells, the traditional view of inflammation as a response to infection or tissue damage is incomplete, since inflammation can occur in the absence of these triggers. The review examines the effects caused by myokines produced during physical activity. It can be argued that these proteins are involved in ensuring adaptive changes, pro- and anti-inflammatory reactions to maintain homeostasis, and their overall effect can be characterized as physiological inflammation. At the same time, the mechanisms of transcription activation of many myokines differ significantly from similar mechanisms in cells of the immune system. This suggests that myokines can be considered as factors of physiological inflammation, which is not a pathological process, but ensures normal physiological reactions during physical activity. A hypothesis has been formulated about the role of myokines as factors stimulating the development of physiological inflammation. The effects caused by myokines produced during physical activity are involved in ensuring adaptive changes, anti-inflammatory reactions, and maintaining homeostasis. Physiological inflammation can be considered as, in some way, an antagonist of pathological inflammation; it is due to this antagonism that many positive effects of physical activity, including metabolic disorders, can be realized.