Irisin
Exercise-induced myokine — drives WAT-to-BAT conversion, bone health, and cognitive enhancement via exercise mimicry.
Research facts
| Half-life | ~few minutes |
|---|---|
| Route | SubQ (animal studies) / No injectable form validated |
| Typical dose | No established human injectable dose |
| Frequency | N/A |
| Solvent | N/A |
| pH | N/A |
| Stability | Unknown |
Mechanism of action
Irisin is a myokine cleaved from the membrane protein FNDC5 during exercise (particularly aerobic exercise). It drives white-to-brown adipose tissue (WAT→BAT) conversion via upregulation of UCP1, increasing thermogenesis and energy expenditure. It also promotes osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, and has documented hippocampal BDNF upregulation — explaining in part why aerobic exercise improves memory and cognition. Irisin's existence as a true circulating hormone was initially controversial (no irisin in mice), but robust human data now confirms its presence and exercise-dependent regulation.
Documented effects (research-model)
- WAT→BAT conversion (browning of fat) for thermogenesis
- Bone density promotion via osteoblast activation
- Hippocampal BDNF upregulation (exercise-cognition link)
- Insulin sensitivity improvement
- Potential in metabolic syndrome and obesity
Research protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Cycle | Vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise (Primary Protocol) | Aerobic exercise 3–5×/week is the validated method to elevate irisin | Regular structured exercise | Ongoing | N/A |
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before any protocol decision.
Synergies
- NAD+ MODERATE
Exercise (irisin) + NAD+ (mitochondrial support) are complementary healthspan interventions.
Myths & misconceptions
Evidence gaps
- No validated human injectable protocol.
- Irisin assay variability across studies — measurement methodology inconsistencies.
- WAT browning effects in humans less dramatic than in rodents.
Safety notes
No reliable injectable form available. The "irisin injection" research chemical market is not scientifically validated. Endogenous elevation via exercise is safe and evidence-based.
Biomarkers to monitor
Primary-source citations
- PMID 22012248 — A PGC1-α-dependent myokine that drives brown-fat-like development of white fat (Nature. 2012)
Frequently asked
What is Irisin?
Irisin (FNDC5 Cleavage Product — Exercise Hormone) is a research compound classified in our library as Tier D — Animal or in-vitro data only.. Exercise-induced myokine — drives WAT-to-BAT conversion, bone health, and cognitive enhancement via exercise mimicry.
What is the evidence tier for Irisin?
We classify Irisin as Tier D: Animal or in-vitro data only. See our full peptide evidence tiers explainer for how we assign S/A/B/C/D.
What is the research dose of Irisin?
For Irisin, typical research dose is No established human injectable dose, route is SubQ (animal studies) / No injectable form validated, half-life is ~few minutes. Protocols vary by research goal — see the protocols section on this page for standard and advanced dosing schedules. Research use only, not medical advice.
Is Irisin safe?
No reliable injectable form available. The "irisin injection" research chemical market is not scientifically validated. Research context only — no compound on this site is approved for human therapeutic use unless explicitly noted.