skeletal muscle stretching as a mechanotransductive trigger for myokine release: a narrative review

Skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ by releasing myokines—cytokines and peptides that mediate systemic physiological adaptations. this review synthesizes evidence establishing mechanical stretching (active/passive) as a potent mechanotransductive stimulus for myokine secretion. key pathways include integrin-mediated signaling, stretch-activated ion channels (piezo/trp), and mechanosensitive transcriptional regulators (yap/taz), which activate mapk, calcium-dependent kinases, and other cascades to modulate myokine gene expression. we highlight stretch-responsive myokines (il-6, irisin, myostatin, bdnf, sparc) and their roles in metabolism, tissue repair, and inflammation. clinical implications for aging, metabolic disease, and rehabilitation are discussed, emphasizing how targeted stretching protocols may harness myokine-mediated benefits in mobility-limited populations. future research directions include optimizing stretch dosing and elucidating tissue-specific myokine actions.