Alterations in Cellular Immune Markers Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Compared to Healthy Controls
Nwaobi Anthony Chukwuka *
Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria and Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Ugbomoiko Daniel Ohilebo
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Emokpae Mathias Abiodun
University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Erameh Theophilus Ogie
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Ezekiel Dauda Gambo
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Erifeta Georgina Omonegho
Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Osaiyuwu Omoruyi Felix
Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Omogiade Christabel
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: In addition to hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease marked by immunological dysregulation and low-grade systemic inflammation. Changes in cellular immune markers, including CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, have been identified as important factors in the pathophysiology and consequences of type 2 diabetes.
Aim/Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the alterations in cellular immune markers among patients with T2DM compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study with 240 participants—140 T2DM patients and 100 healthy controls—was conducted in Edo State, Nigeria. Peripheral blood samples were collected and analyzed for cellular immunological markers (CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and β-cells) using flow cytometry. ELISA and atomic absorption spectrophotometry were employed to detect the amounts of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, and As) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP), respectively. SPSS version 26.0 was used to statistically analyze the data, with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Compared to controls (CD4⁺: 812.3 ± 141.6; CD8⁺: 520.8 ± 77.9; p<0.001), T2DM patients had significantly lower CD4⁺ counts (582.6 ± 132.4 cells/μL) and CD8⁺ counts (371.4 ± 89.3 cells/μL). Subjects with type 2 diabetes had higher levels of TNF-α (47.8 ± 5.9 pg/mL), IL-6 (62.4 ± 7.1 pg/mL), and hs-CRP (6.1 ± 1.2 mg/L) (p<0.001). Immune indicators were shown to be significantly correlated with glucose indices and illness duration.
Conclusion: This work demonstrates that cellular immunological dysregulation, which is marked by elevated inflammatory cytokines and reduced CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, is prevalent in type 2 diabetes. The intensity and complications of the disease may be influenced by these immunological disruptions.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cellular immunity, CD4-positive T-Lymphocytes, CD8-positive T-lymphocytes, inflammation, cytokines, chronic inflammation