Effects of irisin on inflammatory and apoptotic markers in the Caco-2 colon cancer cell line


Ozturk E. Z., Bakan E., KILIÇ BAYGUTALP N., BAYRAKTUTAN Z.

BMC Molecular and Cell Biology, cilt.27, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 27 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12860-026-00568-w
  • Dergi Adı: BMC Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Apoptosis, Colon cancer, Inflammation, Irisin, NF –κB pathway
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: Irisin is a myokine that is secreted by muscle tissue and is recognized for its regulatory effects on inflammation. The objective of this study was to examine the potential anti-inflammatory function of irisin in the context of colon cancer, with a focus on its effects on the Caco-2 cell line. Method: Specifically, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α), apoptotic marker Caspase-3 activity, and changes in the NF-κB signaling pathway were assessed using ELISA assays. Results: The findings of this study indicated a substantial augmentation in IL-6 levels in the 100 nM irisin-treated group in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant divergence in Caspase-3 activity was observed between the 10 nM and 100 nM irisin groups (p < 0.05). While direct antiproliferative effects of irisin on Caco-2 cells were not evident in analyses of cellular toxicity, a significant increase in Caspase-3 activity suggested activation of apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, the upregulation of NF-κB signaling, which is generally linked to cancer progression through the suppression of apoptosis, was observed following irisin treatment. Conclusion: Irisin did not exert a consistent antiproliferative effect in Caco-2 cells under the tested conditions. Instead, irisin exposure was associated with alterations in inflammatory and apoptotic markers, including increased IL-6 and NF-κB levels and modulation of caspase-3 activity. These findings suggest that irisin may act as a context-dependent regulator of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling rather than a direct anti-inflammatory or antiproliferative agent in colon cancer cells.