Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Target for Exercise-Mediated Reductions in Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Figure 1

Working hypothesis by which extracellular vesicles (EVs) interact with exercise to influence vascular function and insulin sensitivity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by EVs in response to bioactive lipids, glucose, and inflammatory cytokines and act as important cellular regulators in cell health. In addition, EVs may bind to cells and interfere with receptor-related mechanisms and/or release microRNA (miRNA) to influence cell activity. Lastly, EVs may release inflammatory cytokines and impact cell NFκB activity, which influences cell vascular function. Exercise (b) decreases circulatory lipids, glucose, and cytokines, thereby improving EV levels and function. We hypothesize herein that EVs not only serve as a biomarker of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease but also regulate vascular function independent of traditional obesity-related risk factors. Future work should consider studying the interaction of EV and exercise doses in order to identify optimal treatment plans for preventing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

(a) Sedentary condition

(b) Physical activity/exercise condition