The Effect of Exercise Activity on Pannexin and NLRP3 in Neuromuscular Function with the Approach of the Role of New Peptides: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.2.10Keywords:
Exercise, Pannexin, NLRP3, Neuro-Muscular Function, PeptidesAbstract
Objective: Neuromuscular function, involving the interplay between the nervous system and skeletal muscle, is essential for coordinated movement and physical performance. Exercise is a powerful modulator of neuromuscular health, but the underlying molecular mechanisms—especially those involving pannexin channels, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and newly discovered peptides—remain to be fully understood. To narratively review current evidence on how exercise influences pannexin-1 channels and NLRP3 inflammasome activity in neuromuscular function, with a focus on the mediating roles of novel exercise-induced peptides such as irisin and interleukin-6.
Methods and Materials: A systematic and comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using targeted keywords and MeSH terms including “exercise,” “neuromuscular function,” “pannexin channels,” “NLRP3 inflammasome,” “irisin,” and “interleukin-6.” Studies were selected based on relevance, originality, and recency, with a primary focus on the past decade. Both human and animal studies were included, along with relevant reviews and meta-analyses. Reference lists were manually screened to capture key foundational studies.
Results: Exercise enhances neuromuscular function through mechanisms such as increased muscle strength, neurogenesis, and improved coordination. Pannexin-1 plays a key role in muscle contraction via ATP release and is modulated by exercise. NLRP3 inflammasome activity, while associated with acute inflammation, may be downregulated by chronic exercise, contributing to anti-inflammatory benefits. Novel peptides like irisin and IL-6 are released during exercise and contribute to metabolic regulation, tissue repair, and cognitive enhancement, reinforcing their role in neuromuscular adaptation.
Conclusion: Pannexin channels, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and novel myokines represent critical pathways through which exercise promotes neuromuscular health. Understanding these mechanisms offers the potential for targeted therapeutic strategies to enhance physical performance and treat neuromuscular disorders.
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