Skeletal muscle as a pro- and anti-inflammatory tissue: insights from children to adults and ultrasound findings

• Published in: Journal of ultrasound 2024-12, Vol.27 (4), p.769-779
• Main Authors: Di Ludovico, Armando, La Bella, Saverio, Ciarelli, Francesca, Chiarelli, Francesco, Breda, Luciana, Mohn, Angelika
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological effects; Child; Cytokines - metabolism; Exercise - physiology; Humans; Inflammation - diagnostic imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Molecular biology; Muscle, Skeletal - diagnostic imaging; Muscles; Physical exercise; Review Paper; Technology assessment; Ultrasonography - methods; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 1876-7931; 1971-3495; 1876-7931
• DOI: 10.1007/s40477-024-00917-5

Previously regarded as a movement and posture control agent, the skeletal muscle is now recognized as an endocrine organ that may affect systemic inflammation and metabolic health. The discovery of myokines such as IL-6, released from skeletal muscle in response to physical exercise, is now one of the most recent insights. Myokines are the mediators of the balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. This underscores the muscle function as a determinant of good health and prevention of diseases. Advances in ultrasound technology improved evaluation of muscle thickness, composition, and determining fat distribution. Combining imaging with molecular biology, researchers discovered the complicated interplay between muscle function, cytokine production and general health effects.The production of myokines with exercise showcasing the adaptability of muscles to high-stress conditions and contributing to metabolism and inflammation regulation. These findings have significant implications in order to provide improvement in metabolic and inflammatory diseases.