Identification of irisin as a therapeutic agent that inhibits oxidative stress and fibrosis in a murine model of chronic pancreatitis

Abnormal activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Irisin, an exercise-induced hormone, has been shown to mitigate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells. However, the effect of irisin in CP has not been evaluated.

Irisin alleviated pancreatic injury and fibrosis, which was associated with reduced oxidative and ER stress. Thus, irisin may offer therapeutic potential for patients with CP.

This study aimed to determine whether irisin is protective in CP. CP was induced by 6 IP injections of cerulein (50 μg/kg/body weight). HPSCs were treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 as in vitro experiment.

Our results showed that repeated cerulein injection induced severe pancreatic injury and fibrosis in mice and the serum irisin level in cerulein-treated mice decreased as in CP patients. Excessive oxidative and ER stress was also present in the pancreas of cerulein-treated mice. Irisin treatment significantly alleviated pancreatic injury and fibrosis, which was associated with reduced oxidative and ER stress. In cultured PSCs, irisin directly inhibited TGF-β-induced α-SMA and collagen I expression. This effect appears to be mediated through downregulation of kindlin-2 and inhibition of the SMAD2/3 pathway. Conclusions: Irisin alleviated pancreatic injury and fibrosis, which was associated with reduced oxidative and ER stress. Thus, irisin may offer therapeutic potential for patients with CP.