Irisin and the Metabolic Phenotype of Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Footprints in the Sno: investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SNORD116

The small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) SNORD116 is a small non-coding RNA of interest across multiple biomedical fields of research. Much of the investigation into SNORD116 has been undertaken in the context of the congenital disease Prader-Willi syndrome, wherein SNORD116 expression is lost. However, emerging evidence indicates wider roles in various disease and tissue contexts such as cellular growth, metabolism and signalling. Nevertheless, a conclusive mechanism of action for SNORD116 remains to be established. Here, we review the key findings from these investigations, with the aim of identifying common elements from which to elucidate potential targets and mechanisms of SNORD116. A key recurring element identified is disruption to the insulin/IGF-1 and PI3K/mTOR signalling pathways, contributing to many of the phenotypes associated with SNORD116 modulation explored in this review.

Salivary and serum irisin in healthy adults before and after exercise

Irisin is an exercise-induced cytokine mainly secreted by myocytes. Circulating level of irisin can increase in response to acute exercise, promoting pleiotropic effects on health. Generally, irisin is evaluated in blood, however, its collection is invasive. Saliva sample would not have any risk associated with blood collection and would represent a less invasive method for irisin detection. Until now, there are only a few studies that have analyzed irisin levels in saliva. In the present research, five healthy male adults performed an incremental exercise until exhaustion on cycle ergometer. Serum and saliva samples were collected before exercise and 15min, 24h and 48h after reaching the exhaustion. Irisin was detected by ELISA assay. Serum and salivary irisin levels increased from baseline to 24h post exercise and reverted to basal levels after 48h of rest. A significant rise of both serum and salivary irisin level at 24h (p≤0.05) compared to baseline levels was found. Furthermore, a significant correlation between irisin percentage change in serum and saliva from baseline to 24h post exercise was detected (r=0.92, p<0.05). Despite the relatively limited sample, this research suggests that collecting saliva samples might represent a valid and less invasive method to detect irisin level changes induced by exercise.

Salivary and serum irisin in healthy adults before and after exercise

Irisin is an exercise-induced cytokine mainly secreted by myocytes. Circulating level of irisin can increase in response to acute exercise, promoting pleiotropic effects on health. Generally, irisin is evaluated in blood, however, its collection is invasive. Saliva sample would not have any risk associated with blood collection and would represent a less invasive method for irisin detection. Until now, there are only a few studies that have analyzed irisin levels in saliva. In the present research, five healthy male adults performed an incremental exercise until exhaustion on cycle ergometer. Serum and saliva samples were collected before exercise and 15min, 24h and 48h after reaching the exhaustion. Irisin was detected by ELISA assay. Serum and salivary irisin levels increased from baseline to 24h post exercise and reverted to basal levels after 48h of rest. A significant rise of both serum and salivary irisin level at 24h (p≤0.05) compared to baseline levels was found. Furthermore, a significant correlation between irisin percentage change in serum and saliva from baseline to 24h post exercise was detected (r=0.92, p<0.05). Despite the relatively limited sample, this research suggests that collecting saliva samples might represent a valid and less invasive method to detect irisin level changes induced by exercise.

Irisin and Bone in Sickness and in Health: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Irisin is a hormone-like myokine produced by the skeletal muscle in response to exercise. Upon its release into the circulation, it is involved in the browning process and thermogenesis, but recent evidence indicates that this myokine could also regulate the functions of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. Most human studies have reported that serum irisin levels decrease with age and in conditions involving bone diseases, including both primary and secondary osteoporosis. However, it should be emphasized that recent findings have called into question the importance of circulating irisin, as well as the validity and reproducibility of current methods of irisin measurement. In this review, we summarize data pertaining to the role of irisin in the bone homeostasis of healthy children and adults, as well as in the context of primary and secondary osteoporosis. Additional research is required to address methodological issues, and functional studies are required to clarify whether muscle and bone damage per se affect circulating levels of irisin or whether the modulation of this myokine is caused by the inherent mechanisms of underlying diseases, such as genetic or inflammatory causes. These investigations would shed further light on the effects of irisin on bone homeostasis and bone disease.

Do patients with Prader-Willi syndrome have favorable glucose metabolism?

Background

In recent years, more studies have observed that patients with Prader–Willi syndrome have lower insulin levels and lower insulin resistance than body mass index-matched controls, which may suggest protected glucose metabolism.

Method

The PubMed and Web of Science online databases were searched to identify relevant studies published in the English language using the terms “Prader–Willi syndrome” with “glucose”, “insulin”, “diabetes mellitus”, “fat”, “adipo*”, “ghrelin”, “oxytocin”, “irisin” or “autonomic nervous system”.

Results

The prevalence of impaired glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and some other obesity-associated complications in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome tends to be lower when compared to that in general obesity, which is consistent with the hypothetically protected glucose metabolism. Factors including adipose tissue, adiponectin, ghrelin, oxytocin, irisin, growth hormone and the autonomic nervous system possibly modulate insulin sensitivity in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome.

Conclusion

Although lower insulin levels, lower IR and protected glucose metabolism are widely reported in PWS patients, the causes are still mysterious. Based on existing knowledge, we cannot determine which factor is of utmost importance and what are the underlying mechanisms, and further research is in urgent need.

One Year of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Treatment in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome Improves Body Composition, Motor Skills and Brain Functional Activity in the Cerebellum

We compared body composition, biochemical parameters, motor function, and brain neural activation in 27 adults with Prader-Willi syndrome and growth-hormone deficiency versus age-and sex-matched controls and baseline versus posttreatment values of these parameters after one year of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment. To study body composition, we analyzed percentage of fat mass, percentage of lean mass, and muscle-mass surrogate variables from dual X-ray absorptiometry. Biochemical parameters analyzed included IGF-I, glucose metabolism, and myokines (myostatin, irisin, and IL6). To explore muscle function, we used dynamometer-measured handgrip strength, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). To study brain activation, we acquired functional magnetic resonance images during three motor tasks of varying complexity. After one year of treatment, we observed an increase in lean mass and its surrogates, a decrease in fat mass, improvements in TUG test and BBS scores, and increased neural activation in certain cerebellar areas. The treatment did not significantly worsen glucose metabolism, and no side-effects were reported. Our findings support the benefits of rhGH treatment in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome and growth-hormone deficiency on body composition and suggest that it may also improve balance and brain neural activation.

Irisin and Secondary Osteoporosis in Humans

Irisin is a peptide secreted by skeletal muscle following exercise that plays an important role in bone metabolism. Numerous experiments in vitro and in mouse models have shown that the administration of recombinant irisin promotes osteogenesis, protects osteocytes from dexamethasone-induced apoptosis, prevents disuse-induced loss of bone and muscle mass, and accelerates fracture healing. Although some aspects still need to be elucidated, such as the dose- and frequency-dependent effects of irisin in cell cultures and mouse models, ample clinical evidence is emerging to support its physiological relevance on bone in humans. A reduction in serum irisin levels, associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, was observed in postmenopausal women and in both men and women during aging, Recently, cohort studies of subjects with secondary osteoporosis showed that these patients have lower circulating levels of irisin, suggesting that this myokine could be a novel marker to monitor bone quality in this disease. Although there are still few studies, this review discusses the emerging data that are highlighting the involvement of irisin in some diseases that cause secondary osteoporosis.

Circulating Irisin in Children and Adolescents With Prader-Willi Syndrome: Relation With Glucose Metabolism

Irisin is a myokine involved in the browning of white adipose tissue and regulation of energy expenditure, glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Debated evidence exists on the metabolic role played by irisin in children with overweight or obesity, while few information exist in children with Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS), a condition genetically prone to obesity. Here we assessed serum irisin in relation to the metabolic profile and body composition in children and adolescents with and without PWS. In 25 PWS subjects [age 6.6-17.8y; body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) 2.5 ± 0.3] and 25 age, and BMI-matched controls (age 6.8-18.0y; BMI SDS, 2.8 ± 0.1) we assessed irisin levels and metabolic profile inclusive of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In PWS, we recorded lower levels of fat-free mass (FFM) (p <0.05), fasting (p<0.0001) and 2h post-OGTT insulin (p<0.05) and lower insulin resistance as expressed by homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p<0.0001). Irisin levels were significantly lower in PWS group than in controls with common obesity (p<0.05). In univariate correlation analysis, positive associations linked irisin to insulin OGTT₀ (p<0.05), insulin OGTT₁₂₀ (p<0.005), HOMA-IR (p<0.05) and fasting C-peptide (p<0.05). In stepwise multivariable regression analysis, irisin levels were independently predicted by insulin OGTT₁₂₀. These results suggest a link between irisin levels and insulin sensitivity in two divergent models of obesity.

The genetic background and vitamin D supplementation can affect irisin levels in Prader-Willi syndrome

BACKGROUND

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated to distinctive clinical symptoms, including obesity, cognitive and behavioral disorders, and bone impairment. Irisin is a myokine that acts on several target organs including brain adipose tissue and bone. The present study was finalized to explore circulating levels of irisin in children and adult PWS patients.

METHODS

Seventy-eight subjects with PWS, 26 children (15 females, mean age 9.48 ± 3.6 years) and 52 adults (30 females, mean age 30.6 ± 10.7) were enrolled. Irisin serum levels were measured in patients and controls. Its levels were related with anthropometric and metabolic parameters, cognitive performance and bone mineral density either in pediatric or adult PWS. Multiple regression analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Irisin serum levels in PWS patients did not show different compared with controls. A more in-depth analysis showed that both pediatric and adult PWS with DEL15 displayed significantly reduced irisin levels compared to controls. Otherwise, no differences in irisin concentration were found in UPD15 patients with respect to controls. Our study revealed that in pediatric PWS the 25(OH) vitamin-D levels affected irisin serum concentration. Indeed, patients who were not supplemented with vitamin D showed lower irisin levels than controls and patients performing the supplementation. Multiple regression analysis showed that irisin levels in pediatric and adult PWS were predicted by the genetic background and 25(OH)-vitamin D levels, whereas in a group of 29 adult PWS also by intelligent quotient.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the possible role of genetic background and vitamin-D supplementation on irisin serum levels in PWS patients.

Growth hormone treatment for adults with Prader-Willi syndrome: another point of view

Growth hormone treatment for children with Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) has shown proven benefits not only in increasing final height but also with positive effects on body composition and motor development. In a recent letter to the editor, Hoybye and colleagues recommend growth hormone treatment for adults with PWS based exclusively on the genetic diagnosis and without regard for growth hormone secretory status. We question whether the benefits of growth hormone treatment in PWS adults, mainly improvement in body composition, are significant enough to justify the as yet unkown consequences of long-term treatment in an adult population. Morbidity and mortality in PWS are mainly due to complications of obesity, and growth hormone treatment does not result in a decrease in BMI or waist circumference. Increases in insulin-like factor-1 as a result of growth hormone treatment over the course of several decades in PWS adults raises concern over possible increase risk of cancer. Compliance with daily injections is likely to be poor. We suggest that efforts to provide appropriate dietary and exercise regimens may be more beneficial and cost-effective than advocating for growth hormone treatment for adults with PWS.

Role of Irisin in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders—Possible New Therapeutic Agent?

Irisin is a novel hormone that provides a possible solution for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Discovered in 2012 by Boström et al., irisin very quickly became an interesting subject in medical research. Irisin has been found in cerebrospinal fluid, the cerebellum, thyroid, pineal gland, liver, pancreas, testis, spleen, adult stomach, and human fetuses. Regarding the actions of irisin, both in animals and humans, the results are contradictory but interesting. Its capability to influence adipose tissue and glycemic homeostasis may be utilized in order to treat hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, Prader–Willi syndrome, and other endocrine and metabolic disorders. Considering its osteogenic potential, irisin might be a therapeutic choice in diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle. New data indicate that irisin treatment may serve in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection. Furthermore, several therapeutic agents, such as insulin, metformin, fenofibrate, exenatide, and melatonin, influence the concentrations of irisin in animal models or in humans. Nutritional factors including polyunsaturated fatty acids may also have an effect on irisin concentrations. While it may be “too good to be true,” irisin offers many opportunities for future research that would aim to find its optimal therapeutical role in endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Appetite- and weight-inducing and -inhibiting neuroendocrine factors in Prader-Willi syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome and craniopharyngioma versus anorexia nervosa

Obesity is reaching an epidemic state and has a major impact on health and economy. In most cases, obesity is caused by lifestyle factors. However, the risk of becoming obese differs highly between people. Individual's differences in lifestyle, genetic, and neuroendocrine factors play a role in satiety, hunger and regulation of body weight. In a small percentage of children and adults with obesity, an underlying hormonal or genetic cause can be found. The aim of this review is to present and compare data on the extreme ends of the obesity and undernutrition spectrum in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), acquired hypothalamic obesity in craniopharyngioma patients, and anorexia nervosa. This may give more insight into the role of neuroendocrine factors and might give direction for future research in conditions of severe obesity and underweight.

Update on Diabetes Mellitus and Glucose Metabolism Alterations in Prader-Willi Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes our current knowledge on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and glucose metabolism alterations in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), the most common syndromic cause of obesity, and serves as a guide for future research and current best practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diabetes occurs in 10-25% of PWS patients, usually in adulthood. Severe obesity is a significant risk factor for developing of T2DM in PWS. Paradoxically, despite severe obesity, a relative hypoinsulinemia, without the expected insulin resistance, is frequently observed in PWS. The majority of PWS subjects with T2DM are asymptomatic and diabetes-related complications are infrequent. Long-term growth hormone therapy does not adversely influence glucose homeostasis in all ages, if weight gain does not occur. Early intervention to prevent obesity and the regular monitoring of glucose levels are recommended in PWS subjects. However, further studies are required to better understand the physiopathological mechanisms of T2DM in these patients.

Irisin levels in genetic and essential obesity: clues for a potential dual role

Irisin is conventionally regarded as a myokine involved in the browning of white adipose tissue, energy expenditure and glucose tolerance. Its potential link to fat accumulation and metabolic dysfunction is debated. We sought to explore the relationship between circulating irisin and components of body composition in two different phenotypes of severe obesity. For this purpose, 30 obese adults with Prader-Will syndrome (PWS) (age 35.7 ± 1.5 y, BMI 45.5 ± 1.5 kg/m²) and 30 adult controls with common obesity (age 34.9 ± 1.7 y, BMI 46.8 ± 1.4 kg/m²) underwent analysis of irisin levels, metabolic profile, body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE). Normal irisin levels were obtained from a group of 20 lean donors (age 32.4 ± 1.5 y, BMI 23.8 ± 0.8 kg/m²). Expected differences in body composition and metabolic profile existed between study groups. PWS exhibited lower muscle mass (p < 0.001), FFM (p < 0.001), REE (p < 0.001), as well as insulin (p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (p < 0.05) and triglycerides levels (p < 0.05) than controls with common obesity. In PWS, irisin levels were significantly lower and overall less dispersed than in controls with common obesity (p < 0.05), while being similar to values recorded in lean subjects. To explore the relation between irisin and body composition in obesity, univariate correlation analysis in the obese populations as a whole showed positive associations between irisin and muscle mass (p = 0.03) as well as REE (p = 0.01), which disappeared when controlled for the PWS status. Noticeably, a positive association became evident between irisin and %FM after controlling for the PWS status (p = 0.02). Also positive were associations between irisin and insulin (p = 0.02), HOMA-IR (p = 0.02) and triglycerides (p = 0.04). In stepwise multivariable regression analysis, irisin levels were independently predicted by the PWS status (p = 0.001), %FM (p = 0.004) and triglycerides (p = 0.008). Current results suggest that obese adults with PWS harbor lower irisin levels than individuals with common obesity. The divergent models of obesity herein studied suggest a potential link between circulating irisin and muscle mass and metabolic dysfunction relating to adiposity.

Myokine levels after resistance exercise in young adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)

Individuals with PWS require marked caloric restriction and daily exercise to prevent morbid obesity. Lower energy expenditure, hypotonia, decreased muscle mass, and cognitive impairment make exercise challenging for this population. Exercise guidelines include resistance training as an important component. Myokine responses to resistance exercise may mediate beneficial metabolic effects. We aimed to determine if young PWS adults can perform a resistance exercise program and to measure myokine responses in PWS versus age- and BMI-matched controls. Each group included 11 participants (7M/4F). Ages and BMI for PWS and controls were 30.7 ± 4.6 versus 30.1 ± 4.3 years and 28.3 ± 4.3 versus 28.2 ± 4.2 kg/m² , respectively. Glucose, creatine kinase (CK), lactate, and myokines were measured before, after, 30, and 60 min after completing eight resistance exercises. Myokines were assayed using a multiplex myokine panel (Merck Millipore). CK was lower in PWS versus controls (62 ± 16 vs.322 ± 100 U/L, p < .04). Peak lactate was 3.7 ± 0.7 in PWS versus 7.3 ± 0.7 mmol/Lin controls (p < .001). The increase in interleukin-6 was similar in PWS and controls (41 ± 16% and 35 ± 10%, respectively). Pre- and post-exercise levels of the six myokines assayed showed no consistent differences between the PWS and control participants. PWS young adults are capable of performing resistance/strength-building exercise. The lower CK and peak lactate levels in PWS may reflect decreased muscle mass in this population. Further studies are needed to determine optimal exercise regimens and assess the role of myokines incontributing to the metabolic phenotype of PWS.

Differences in circulating microRNA signature in Prader-Willi syndrome and non-syndromic obesity

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) represents the most common genetic-derived obesity disorder caused by the loss of expression of genes located on the paternal chromosome 15q11.2-q13. The PWS phenotype shows peculiar physical, endocrine and metabolic characteristics compared to those observed in non-syndromic essential obesity. Since miRNAs have now a well-established role in many molecular pathways, including regulatory networks related to obesity, this pilot study was aimed to characterize the expression of circulating miRNAs in PWS compared to essential obesity. The circulating miRNome of 10 PWS and 10 obese subjects, adequately matched for age, BMI and sex, was profiled throughout Genechip miRNA 4.0 microarray analysis. We identified 362 out of 2578 mature miRNAs to be expressed in serum of the studied population. The circulating miRNA signature significantly characterising the two populations include 34 differently expressed RNAs. Among them, miR-24-3p, miR-122 and miR-23a-3p highly differ between the two groups with a FC >10 in obese compared to PWS. In the obese subjects, miR-7107-5p, miR-6880-3p, miR-6793-3p and miR-4258 were associated to the presence of steatosis. A different signature of miRNAs significantly distinguished PWS with steatosis from PWS without steatosis, involving miR-619-5p, miR-4507, miR-4656, miR-7847-3p and miR-6782-5p. The miRNA target GO enrichment analysis showed the different pathway involved in these two different forms of obesity. Although the rarity of PWS actually represents a limitation to the availability of large series, the present study provides novel hints on the molecular pathogenesis of syndromic and non-syndromic obesity.

An update on the role of irisin in the regulation of endocrine and metabolic functions

Irisin is a novel myokine and adipokine that has gained much attention recently due to its mechanisms of action. Irisin is secreted following proteolytic cleavage of its precursor fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5). Following its release, irisin exerts its major action by increasing the expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP 1), which facilitates the conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) into beige adipose tissue. Irisin is distributed in various body tissues and several actions have been attributed to its presence in those tissues. It has been suggested that it plays a role in metabolic diseases, ageing, inflammation and neurogenesis. However, the circulating levels of irisin are modulated by several factors such as diet, obesity, exercise, pharmacological agents and different pathological conditions. In this review, we have discussed the mechanisms by which irisin influences the functions of different body systems and how external factors in turn affect the circulating level of irisin. In conclusion, modification of circulating irisin level may help in the management of a variety of endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Lack of Postprandial Peak in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Context

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by severe hyperphagia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and leptin are reciprocally involved in energy homeostasis.

Objectives

To analyze the role of BDNF and leptin in satiety in genetic subtypes of PWS.

Design

Experimental study.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects

90 adults: 30 PWS patients; 30 age-sex-BMI-matched obese controls; and 30 age-sex-matched lean controls.

Interventions

Subjects ingested a liquid meal after fasting ≥10 hours.

Main Outcome Measures

Leptin and BDNF levels in plasma extracted before ingestion and 30’, 60’, and 120’ after ingestion. Hunger, measured on a 100-point visual analogue scale before ingestion and 60’ and 120’ after ingestion.

Results

Fasting BDNF levels were lower in PWS than in controls (p = 0.05). Postprandially, PWS patients showed only a truncated early peak in BDNF, and their BDNF levels at 60' and 120' were lower compared with lean controls (p<0.05). Leptin was higher in PWS patients than in controls at all time points (p<0.001). PWS patients were hungrier than controls before and after eating. The probability of being hungry was associated with baseline BDNF levels: every 50-unit increment in BDNF decreased the odds of being hungry by 22% (OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.65–0.94). In uniparental disomy, the odds of being hungry decreased by 66% (OR: 0.34, 90%CI: 0.13–0.9). Postprandial leptin patterns did no differ among genetic subtypes.

Conclusions

Low baseline BDNF levels and lack of postprandial peak may contribute to persistent hunger after meals. Uniparental disomy is the genetic subtype of PWS least affected by these factors.

Association between circulating irisin and insulin resistance in non-diabetic adults: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Exogenous administration of recombinant irisin improves glucose metabolism. However, the association of endogenous circulating (plasma/serum) irisin with insulin resistance remains poorly delineated. This study was aimed to examine this association by meta-analyzing the current evidence without study design restriction in non-diabetic adults.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Peer-reviewed studies written in English from 3 databases were searched to December 2015. Studies that reported the association between circulating irisin and insulin resistance (or its reverse, insulin sensitivity) in non-diabetic non-pregnant adults (mean ages ≥18years) were included. The pooled correlation coefficient (r) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of the 195 identified publications, 17 studies from 15 articles enrolling 1912 participants reported the association between circulating irisin and insulin resistance. The pooled effect size was 0.15 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.22) with a substantial heterogeneity (I(2)=55.5%). This association seemed to be modified by glycemic status (fasting blood glucose ≥6.1mmol/L versus <6.1mmol/L) and racial-ethnic difference (Asians versus Europeans versus Americans), but not by sex difference, sampling time-point, blood sample type, ELISA kits used, baseline age, or body mass index. Circulating irisin was inversely associated with insulin sensitivity (6 studies; r=-0.17, 95% CI: -0.25 to -0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating irisin is directly and positively associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic adults. However, this association is rather small and requires further clarification, in particular by well-designed large epidemiological studies with overall, race-, and sex-specific analyses.

Irisin Inhibits Hepatic Cholesterol Synthesis via AMPK-SREBP2 Signaling

Irisin, a myokine released during exercise, promotes browning of subcutaneous adipose tissue and regulates energy homeostasis. Although exercise constantly reduces blood cholesterol, whether irisin is involved in the regulation of cholesterol remains largely unknown. In the present study, subcutaneous infusion of irisin for 2weeks induced a reduction in plasma and hepatic cholesterol in high fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. These alterations were associated with an activation of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 2 (SREBP2) transcription and nuclear translocation. In primary hepatocytes from either lean or DIO mice, irisin significantly decreased cholesterol content via sequential activation of AMPK and inhibition of SREBP2. Suppression of AMPK by compound C or AMPKα1 siRNA blocked irisin-induced alterations in cholesterol contents and SREBP2. In conclusion, irisin could suppress hepatic cholesterol production via a mechanism dependent of AMPK and SREBP2 signaling. These findings suggest that irisin is a promising therapeutic target for treatment of hypercholesterolemia.