Deep Sea Water Inhibited Pancreatic β-Cell Apoptosis and Regulated Glucose Homeostasis by Affecting Lipid Metabolism in Db/Db Mice

PURPOSE: Deep sea water (DSW) is a natural resource rich in minerals, which participates in biological processes such as energy metabolism, regulates serum glucose and lipids levels, and has a certain protective effect on endocrine and metabolism-related diseases. Studies have shown that the improvement of glucose tolerance in diabetic mice by DSW may be associated with the protective effect on the structure and function of pancreatic islets, and the specific mechanism is still unclear. Other studies have shown that long-term exposure to high concentrations of fatty acids can lead to apoptosis and dysfunction of pancreatic β-cell, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Down-regulation of plasma fatty acid levels may reduce pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, thereby improving glucose homeostasis. Understanding the specific mechanism of DSW regulating blood glucose is of great significance for its clinical application. METHODS: In the present study we used db/db mice as a T2DM model and treated mice with deep ocean mineral concentration (DOMC, a commercial product of DSW) for 4 and 12 weeks. Basic information, serum biochemical indicators, and pathological tissues were gathered for exploration. RESULTS: The db/db mice treated with 4 weeks’ DOMC (db/db+DOMC) showed decreased plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Tests implied that in adipose tissues, the db/db+DOMC group’s lipolysis process was inhibited, and the β-fatty acid oxidation process was promoted. Besides, DOMC reduced lipogenesis and encouraged β-oxidation in the liver, as a result, improved fatty liver in db/db mice. Further measurements showed DOMC improved glucose homeostasis slightly in db/db animals after a 12-week treatment by preventing pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: DOMC inhibited pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and regulated glucose homeostasis in db/db mice by lowering the lipid levels via regulation of fatty acid β-oxidation, lipolysis, and lipogenesis processes.