BACKGROUND: Whether or not there is a relationship between the newly-discovered irisin hormone and bone healing is not yet known. The aim of this study was to investigate what effect irisin hormone has on the bone healing process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 21 adult patients with a diagnosed fracture of the lower extremity (femur or tibia). Informed consent was obtained from all the patients. A total of four venous blood samples were taken from the patients: before fracture stabilization, then postoperatively on days 1, 10, and 60. In patients with femoral neck fracture who had hip prosthesis applied, bone tissue samples were taken from the removed femur head and irisin was determined immunohistochemically in muscle biopsies taken from the same patients.

RESULTS: In analysis, it was revealed that the mean value of irisin 60 days after operation is significantly higher than the values of irisin before operation, 1 day after operation, and 15 day after operation (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Intense staining was observed in compact bone tissue, muscle tissue, and in hypertrophic vascular endothelium within the Havers canal.

CONCLUSIONS: The level of irisin hormone increased in the bone union process and affects fracture healing due to irisin receptors in human bone tissue.

Keywords: Bone and Bones, Bone Diseases, Endocrine, Fracture Healing