Effect of Hypoxia on Irisin Secretion by Human Cardiomyocytes.

Abstract

Background/aim: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 31% of all deaths. Biomarkers such as troponins and natriuretic peptides are crucial in diagnosing CVD. Recently, irisin (Ir), a myokine derived from the cleavage of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), has been identified as a potential new biomarker for CVD. Ir is involved in regulating energy metabolism. This study aimed to determine the expression levels of the FNDC5 gene and the level of Ir in cardiomyocytes of the AC16 line subjected to hypoxia.

Materials and methods: AC16 cardiomyocytes were cultured under hypoxic conditions for two, four, and six hours. Molecular studies were conducted using western blot, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, immunoenzymatic test (ELISA), and electron microscopy methods.

Results: FNDC5 gene expression was significantly elevated in cells subjected to hypoxia. Additionally, Ir levels increased in the first hours of hypoxia.

Conclusion: Ir could be a potentially useful indicator for assessing CVD risk. Further research is needed to confirm whether elevated Ir levels under hypoxic conditions in AC16 cells represent a promising direction for the development of biomarkers for CVD.