Title:Exerkines: A Crosstalk between Lactate Production, Exercise and Mental
Health
Volume: 23
Issue: 9
Author(s): Alberto Souza Sá Filho, Silvio Roberto Barsanulfo, Sara Socorro Faria, Pedro Augusto Inacio, Farahnaz Ayatizadeh and Sérgio Machado*
Affiliation:
- Department of Sports Methods and Techniques,
Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil
- Department of Physical Therapy, Iguaçu University, Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro,
Centre of Physical Activity Neuroscience, Neurodiversity Institute, Queimados-RJ, Brazil
Keywords:
Myokines, biomarker, lactate, exercise, exerkines, mental health.
Abstract: Muscle skeletal striated cells secrete a wide range of proteins called myokines or
“exerkines”, which in turn perform autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine functions. For being able to act
in the communication between skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and mainly the brain, exerkines play a
prominent role and potential influence on health promotion. Furthermore, we detected in the literature
that one of these potential therapeutic substances derived from muscle contraction is a molecule
derived from glycolytic metabolism that in the past was largely marginalized, the lactate. Currently,
studies are dedicated to examining the target structures for exerkines that may contribute to the
maintenance and restoration of mental health. Thus, lactate appears to be recognized as a critical mediator
of exercise-related changes and their health benefits, particularly in their role in communication
and coordination between organs. It is inferred that the BDNF expression mechanism can be induced
by lactate, which in turn derives from the activation of SIRT pathways 1 and 2 and activates
the PGC1-α cascade. The behavior of lactate concentration is intensity-dependent, directly related to
the type of fast-twitch fibers (type IIb) and the recruitment of these fibers would potentiate the
responses in the brain. In this sense, high-intensity exercise would establish itself as an important
strategy to be considered. Despite this understanding, there is still much to be done. However, lactate
appears to be a highly promising exerkine for future research initiatives and a potential biomarker to
reduce illness and promote mental health.
