Woes for 'exercise hormone'

摘要

Back in 2012, it seemed like a critical find for obesity researchers: a molecule that regulates how the body stores and uses fat. The hormone, dubbed irisin after a Greek goddess, appeared to amp up energy expenditure in mice after exercise, opening up potential treatments for diabetes and obesity. But inconsistent follow-up studies caused some scientists to doubt that it plays any role in human metabolism. Now, a study questioning the reliability of the antibody-based test kits often used to detect irisin has raised further doubts about the hormone-and the use of such tests in general.