Circulating CD31⁺ Angiogenic T cells are reduced in prediabetes and increase with exercise training

To investigate circulating angiogenic cells in adults with prediabetes and the effect of a structured exercise program.

A cohort of adults with overweight/obesity and either normal glucose (NG) or prediabetes were randomised to receive exercise (Exercise) (as twice weekly supervised combined high intensity aerobic exercise and progressive resistance training, and once weekly home-based aerobic exercise) or an unsupervised stretching intervention (Control) for 12 weeks. Circulating angiogenic T cells, muscle strength, and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including blood lipids, arterial stiffness, central haemodynamic responses, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂peak) in those with prediabetes (n = 35, 16 Control, 19 Exercise) and NG (n = 37, 17 Control, 20 Exercise) were analysed at baseline and after the 12-week intervention.

At baseline, compared with NG those with prediabetes demonstrated reduced VO₂peak, angiogenic CD31⁺CD8⁺ T cells and VEGFR2⁺CD4⁺ T cells, and increased systolic blood pressure. CD31⁺ T cells were negatively correlated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Compared with Control, exercise training increased muscle strength, VO₂peak, and CD31⁺CD4⁺ and CD31⁺CD8⁺ T cells in NG and prediabetes.

Circulating angiogenic CD31⁺ T cells are decreased in people with prediabetes and are enhanced with exercise training. Exercise increases CD31⁺ T cells, and through this mechanism it is proposed that it may reduce CVD risk.

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12617000552381.