Far-infrared radiation prevents decline in β-cell mass and function in diabetic mice via the mitochondria-mediated

Yung-Ho Hsu1, Yen-Cheng Chen2, Yu-Wei Chen3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.

Insights

Far-infrared (FIR) radiation preserves pancreatic beta-cell function and survival in type 2 diabetes. FIR enhances insulin secretion by upregulating promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) and mitochondrial function via the Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Cell Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by declining pancreatic beta-cell mass and function.
  • Beta-cell preservation is a key therapeutic target for type 2 DM.
  • Far-infrared (FIR) radiation has shown protective effects on vascular endothelium in diabetic models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of FIR (8-10 μm) on beta-cell survival and insulin secretion in type 2 DM.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying FIR's action on beta-cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced type 2 DM mouse models.
  • Administered FIR (8-10 μm) and assessed pancreatic islet integrity and insulin secretion.
  • Investigated the roles of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) and Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) using cell lines and specific inhibitors/siRNA.
  • Analyzed mitochondrial function and NAD+/NADH ratios.

Main Results:

  • FIR reduced pancreatic islet loss and increased insulin secretion in DM mice.
  • FIR upregulated PLZF, conferring anti-apoptotic effects on beta-cells.
  • FIR enhanced mitochondrial function, NAD+/NADH ratio, and Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) expression.
  • Inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, Sirt1, or PLZF blocked FIR's beneficial effects on insulin secretion and beta-cell survival.

Conclusions:

  • FIR radiation effectively preserves beta-cell mass and function in type 2 DM.
  • FIR-mediated protection involves enhanced mitochondrial function, PLZF activation, and Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) pathway.
  • FIR represents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing type 2 diabetes by protecting beta-cells.

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