Metabolic component of adaptation to cold stress in in vivo and in vitro experiments

Abstract

In the present work, a comprehensive study of metabolic and cellular responses to cold stress in in vivo and in vitro models was conducted, allowing the assessment of the effect of the synthetic neuropeptide dalargin on the formation of adaptive metabolic and cytoprotective responses. It was found that administration of dalargin significantly increased blood triglyceride concentrations, which were reduced under chronic cold stress, while the total cholesterol concentration remained decreased. This dynamic indicates the selective action of the peptide on rapidly mobilized energy lipids, whereas cholesterol is regulated by complex, long-term synthesis and degradation mechanisms. It is emphasized that maintaining triglyceride levels is critically important for ensuring the energy homeostasis of the organism under cold stress conditions. In vitro, cold stress was found to reduce the mitotic index and viability of fibroblasts, whereas dalargin partially prevents the development of these negative changes. Integration of in vivo and in vitro data provides grounds to conclude that dalargin acts as a selective metabolic and cytoprotective agent, ensuring rapid adaptation of lipid and energy metabolism, maintaining cellular activity and viability under stress conditions, and contributing to the stabilization of systemic homeostasis. The results highlight the potential of dalargin as an effective modulating factor for supporting metabolic and cellular adaptation under cold stress.