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Irisin is a newly discovered exercise-induced cytokine, produced by the proteolytic hydrolysis of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5). Irisin is widely distributed in the human body and is involved in the browning of white adipose tissue, improving insulin resistance, improving cognitive function, and regulating bone metabolism. Recent studies have shown that irisin concentration is elevated in a variety of tumor tissues as compared with that in normal tissues. However, irisin has different effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells in breast cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer through various mechanisms. Irisin plays an important role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of different tumors, suggesting that irisin can be used as a potential target for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, studying the expression and function of irisin in tumors may be of great significance for the prevention and treatment of tumors. This article reviews the research progress on the role of irisin in tumors.

Introduction Irisin is a newly identified cytokine that has gained increasing attention because of its potential therapeutic applications in metabolic diseases and human cancers. Recently, accumulating evidence indicates that irisin plays an important role in the development and metastasis of various tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of irisin on malignant growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Materials and methods The anti-proliferative effect of irisin was examined using the CCK-8 assay. Irisin-induced apoptosis was determined by the annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay. The effects of irisin on cell migration and invasion were assessed using the scratch-induced wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay, respectively. The expression and phosphorylation of signaling proteins were detected by Western blot analysis. Results Our results showed that irisin inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, irisin decreased the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, Western blot analysis revealed that irisin downregulated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conclusion Our findings suggest that irisin is a novel therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer.