Cold Exposure Alleviates T2DM Through Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

Anecdotal reports have praised the benefits of cold exposure, exemplified by activities like winter swimming and cold water immersion. Cold exposure has garnered acclaim for its potential to confer benefits and potentially alleviate diabetes. We posited that systemic cold temperature (CT, 4-8°C) likely influences the organism's blood components through ambient temperature, prompting our investigation into the effects of chronic cold exposure on type 2 diabetic (T2DM) mice and our initial exploration of how cold exposure mitigates the incidence of T2DM.

The effects of CT (4-8°C) or room temperature (RT, 22-25°C) on T2DM mice were investigated. Mice blood and organ specimens were collected for fully automated biochemical testing, ELISA, HE staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Glucose uptake was assessed using flow cytometry with 2-NBDG. Changes in potential signaling pathways such as protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), insulin receptor substrates 1 (IRS1), and phosphorylated IRS1 (p-IRS1) were evaluated by Western blot.

CT or CT mice plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (CT-EVs) remarkably reduced blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in T2DM mice. This treatment enhanced glucose metabolism, systemic insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion function while promoting glycogen accumulation in the liver and muscle. Additionally, CT-EVs treatment protected against the streptozocin (STZ)-induced destruction of islets in T2DM mice by inhibiting β-cell apoptosis. CT-EVs also shielded islets from destruction and increased the expression of p-IRS1 and p-AKT in adipocytes and hepatocytes. In vitro experiments further confirmed its pro-insulin sensitivity effect.

Our data indicate that cold exposure may have a potentially beneficial effect on the development of T2DM, mainly through the anti-diabetic effect of plasma-derived EVs released during cold stimulation. This phenomenon could significantly contribute to understanding the lower prevalence of diabetes in colder regions.