The Effects of 8‑Week Resistance and Endurance Training on Bone Strength Compared to Irisin Injection Protocol in Mice

Osteoporosis is a prevalent elderly complication that is characterized by decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk because of dysregulation in bone mineralization and resorption. Physical activity can enhance bone strength by exerting mechanical forces and myokines. Irisin is a myokine that is increased following physical exercise and can affect bones. In this study, 8 weeks of resistance and endurance exercises are applied in mice compared to irisin injection to assess the contribution of the protocols and this myokine to bone strength.

Thirty‑five male NMRI mice were separated into five groups; control, placebo, irisin injection, resistance exercise, and endurance exercise. 8‑week of exercise protocols and irisin injection protocol (100 μg/kg/week) was applied. Plasma irisin concentration and bone strength were measured using enzyme‑linked immunoassay and 3‑point bending assay, respectively. Statistical analyses were done through one‑way ANOVA and Tukey test, and P < 0.05 was considered the significant difference.

Serum irisin concentration and bone strength in resistance exercise and irisin‑injected groups were significantly higher than control and placebo groups (P < 0.0001). Serum irisin concentration, but not bone strength, of the endurance exercise group was also significantly higher than control and placebo groups (P < 0.0001) but lower than resistance and irisin‑injected groups.

Resistance exercise and irisin injection, but not endurance exercise, are likely to be effective in increasing bone strength. There may be a threshold for plasma irisin level to affect bones which the applied protocols of irisin injection and resistance exercise but not endurance exercise can reach.