White blood cell subtypes and risk of type 2 diabetes

Sex-Specific Associations Between Leucocyte Measures and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Han Chinese

Background

White blood cell (WBC) and its subset counts are standard, inexpensive, direct markers of inflammation. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is implicated in changes in inflammation markers, and sex differences are evident in both OSA and inflammation. It is unknown whether sex modulates the relationship between OSA severity and leukocyte measures.

Methods

1222 patients (914 males, 308 females) underwent overnight laboratorial polysomnography and measurement of WBC and its subset (lymphocyte, neutrophil, monocyte) counts. Patients were divided into primary snoring and mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups, and differences in leukocyte parameters were analyzed separately by sex in multivariable analyses.

Results

In multiple regression models, higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was independently associated with neutrophil counts only in men, and with higher total WBC, lymphocyte and monocyte counts both in women and men. Further ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between AHI and total WBC (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.09-3.23) and neutrophil (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.02-3.07) counts in men only. Correlation analysis also revealed more robust relationships between leukocyte measures and cardiometabolic risk markers in men than in women.

Conclusion

This study provides novel data suggesting a significant association between neutrophil count and OSA severity only in men but not women. Similarly, the relationship between leukocyte parameters and cardiometabolic risk markers were more pronounced in men than women. Our findings suggest a sex-specific impact of OSA on leukocyte measures and on their relationship with indices of cardiometabolic risk.

Causal associations of white blood cell count and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian randomization study

Background

Numerous compelling observational studies have demonstrated a plausible correlation between the white blood cell count and the susceptibility to sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Nevertheless, the exact causal relationship between these two factors remains ambiguous. The objective of our study was to assess the causal impact of white blood cell count on sudden sensorineural hearing loss through the implementation of a bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology.

Methods

Genetic data pertaining to white blood cell count were acquired from the Blood Cell Consortium, encompassing a total of 563,946 subjects. Concurrently, summary data on sudden sensorineural hearing loss were sourced from a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), involving 196,592 participants, comprising 1,491 cases and 195,101 controls. The primary method employed for MR analysis was the Inverse Variance Weighted method (IVW), while sensitivity analysis utilized the Weighted Median method, MR-Egger method, and MR-PRESSO method.

Results

In IVW method, genetically predicted elevated lymphocyte cell count demonstrates an effective reduction in the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (odds ratio = 0.747, 95% CI = 0.565-0.987, p = 0.04). These findings remain consistent in multivariate MR analysis, even after adjusting for monocyte cell count and neutrophil cell count levels (odds ratio = 0.929, 95% CI = 0.867-0.995, p = 0.036). However, there is no discernible evidence supporting a direct causal relationship between monocyte cell count and neutrophil cell count levels and the occurrence of SSNHL.

Conclusion

Within the normal range, higher lymphocyte cell count levels exhibit a potential protective effect against SSNHL. Meanwhile, no direct causal relationship are identified between monocyte cell count and neutrophil cell count levels and the risk of SSNHL.

Insulin combined with N-acetylcysteine attenuates type 1 diabetes-induced splenic inflammatory injury in canines by inhibiting the MAPKs-NF-κB signaling pathway and pyroptosis

PURPOSE

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that can cause damage to multiple organs including the spleen. Sole insulin therapy is not satisfactory. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of combined treatment with insulin and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on spleen damage in T1DM canines, in order to identify drugs that may better assist patients in the management of diabetes and its complications.

METHODS

The canine model of T1DM was established by intravenous injection of alloxan (ALX) and streptozotocin (STZ). The therapeutic effects of insulin and NAC were evaluated by clinical manifestations, spleen protein and mRNA expression.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the combined treatment of insulin and NAC can alleviate hyperglycemia and hematologic abnormalities, improve splenic histopathological changes, prevent fibrous tissue proliferation, and glycogen deposition. In addition, we observed that this combination treatment significantly suppressed the protein expression of p-P65/P65 (17.6 %, P < 0.05), NLRP3 (46.8 %, P < 0.05), and p-P38/P38 (37.1 %, P < 0.05) induced by T1DM when compared to insulin treatment alone. Moreover, it also significantly decreased the mRNA expression of TLR4 (45.0 %, P < 0.01), TNF-α (30.3 %, P < 0.05), and NLRP3 (43.3 %, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This combination has the potential to mitigate splenic inflammatory injury in T1DM canines by suppressing the activation of MAPKs-NF-κB pathway and pyroptosis. These findings provide a reference for the treatment strategies of diabetes and its complications.

Aggravated Systemic Inflammation and Atherogenicity in African Patients Living With Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension Comorbidity

Objective

To explore routinely measured markers of systemic inflammation in hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) comorbidity, and their association with atherogenicity.

Methods

This study included a total of 70 patients with T2D which were categorised into 2 groups, that is with T2D and with HTN comorbidity (T2D + HTN) (n = 35/group). All measured laboratory parameters were determined using standardised methods.

Results

The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was elevated in patients with T2D + HTN when compared to those with T2D (P = .0494). This was also the case with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P < .0001) and systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index (P = .0298). Notably, the majority of patients with T2D + HTN [63% (n = 22)] were classified as having an intermediate or high atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). The correlation analysis of systemic inflammation showed significant associations between CRP and age (r = .24, P = .0477); CRP and red blood cell count (r = -.4, P = .0455), and SII and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = .33, P = .0056). However, there was no association between inflammatory profiles and lipograms (P > .05). We further assessed predictors for an elevated AIP using mutivariable regression model adjusted for age, SBP, CRP and SII. Only NLR was a significant predictor of AIP (β = .287, SE: 0.1, P = .0046).

Conclusion

HTN comorbidity in T2D is associated with exacerbated levels of inflammation and atherogenicity. NLR is a significant independent risk factor for increased atherogenicity in patients with T2D. Therefore, the use of therapeutic strategies that target and alleviate inflammation in patients with T2D and HTN comorbidity is imperative in reducing the initiating and progression of cardiovascular events (CVEs).

Relationship of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, in addition to C-reactive protein, with cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To quantify the relationship of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), independent of C-reactive protein (CRP).

METHODS

Patients with T2D from the UCC-SMART-cohort were studied using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression. The relationship of NLR and CRP with vascular events (cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction and vascular death) and all-cause mortality was quantified.

RESULTS

During 10,833 person-years, 232 vascular events and 302 deaths occurred in 1,239 patients with T2D. Risk of vascular events and all-cause mortality increased per standard deviation (SD) in NLR (hazard ratio (HR) 1.27; 95 % confidence interval (CI):1.11-1.46) and 1.15; 95 % CI:1.02-1.30) after adjustment for CRP. CRP was not associated with vascular events after adjustment for NLR, (HR per SD 1.03; 95 % CI: 0.90-1.19), but was associated with all-cause mortality (HR per SD 1.18; 95 % CI: 1.04-1.33). Notably, NLR was related to vascular events in patients with CRP < 2 mg/L (HR per unit 1.45; 95 % CI: 1.19-1.77).

CONCLUSION

In patients with T2D, NLR is related to higher risk of CVD and all-cause mortality, independently from CRP. NLR is related to CVD even when CRP is low, indicating that NLR is a marker of CVD-risk in addition to CRP. Both NLR and CRP are independently related to all-cause mortality in T2D patients.

Causal association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute suppurative otitis media: insights from a univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization study

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hearing loss (HL) constitute significant public health challenges worldwide. Recently, the association between T2DM and HL has aroused attention. However, possible residual confounding factors and other biases inherent to observational study designs make this association undetermined. In this study, we performed univariate and multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to elucidate the causal association between T2DM and common hearing disorders that lead to HL.

Methods

Our study employed univariate and multivariable MR analyses, with the Inverse Variance Weighted method as the primary approach to assessing the potential causal association between T2DM and hearing disorders. We selected 164 and 9 genetic variants representing T2DM from the NHGRI-EBI and DIAGRAM consortium, respectively. Summary-level data for 10 hearing disorders were obtained from over 500,000 participants in the FinnGen consortium and MRC-IEU. Sensitivity analysis revealed no significant heterogeneity of instrumental variables or pleiotropy was detected.

Results

In univariate MR analysis, genetically predicted T2DM from both sources was associated with an increased risk of acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) (In NHGRI-EBI: OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13, P = 0.012; In DIAGRAM: OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.26, P = 0.016). Multivariable MR analysis, adjusting for genetically predicted sleep duration, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and smoking, either individually or collectively, maintained these associations. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

Conclusion

T2DM was associated with an increased risk of ASOM. Strict glycemic control is essential for the minimization of the effects of T2DM on ASOM.

White blood cells and type 2 diabetes: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have demonstrated an association between white blood cells (WBC) subtypes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. However, it is unknown whether this relationship is causal. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal effect of WBC subtypes on T2D and glycemic traits.

METHODS

The summary data for neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts were extracted from a recent genome-wide association study (n = 173,480). The DIAGRAM and MAGIC consortia offered summary data pertaining to T2D and glycemic characteristics, including fasting glucose (FG) (n = 133,010), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (n = 46,368), and homeostatic model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (n = 37,037). A series of MR analyses (univariable MR, multivariable MR, and reverse MR) were used to investigate the causal association of different WBC subtypes with T2D and glycemic traits.

RESULTS

Using the inverse-variance weighted method, we found one standard deviation increases in genetically determined neutrophil [odd ratio (OR): 1.086, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.877-1.345], lymphocyte [0.878 (0.766-1.006)], monocyte [1.010 (0.906-1.127)], eosinophil [0.995 (0.867-1.142)], and basophil [0.960 (0.763-1.207)] were not causally associated with T2D risk. These findings were consistent with the results of three pleiotropy robust methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, and mode-based estimator) and multivariable MR analyses. Reverse MR analysis provided no evidence for the reverse causation of T2D on WBC subtypes. The null causal effects of WBC subtypes on FG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

WBCs play no causal role in the development of insulin resistance and T2D. The observed association between these factors may be explained by residual confounding.

Complete blood count inflammation derived indexes as predictors of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of comorbidities related to regulating hyperglycemia and acute cardiovascular incidents and complications. With the increasing prevalence in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), MetS represents an increasing public health problem and clinical challenge, and early diagnosis is necessary to avoid the accelerated development of diabetic complications.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of Complete Blood Count-derived Inflammation Indexes (CBCIIs) in predicting MetS in T2DM individuals.

METHODS

The study was designed as a two-year prospective study and included 80 T2DM individuals divided into MetS and non-MetS groups based on MetS development over two years. The sera samples were analyzed for complete blood count parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP). Based on the laboratory test results, 13 CBCIIs were calculated and analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and their corresponding areas under the curve (AUC) were used to determine prognostic accuracy.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between T2DM participants with Mets and those without MetS concerning Neutrophil to Platelet Ratio (NPR) values (p< 0.001), Neutrophil to Lymphocyte and Platelet Ratio (NLPR) (p< 0.001), Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) (p< 0.001), Lymphocyte to C-reactive protein Ratio (LCR) (p< 0.001), C-reactive protein to Lymphocyte Ratio (CRP/Ly) (p< 0.001), Systemic immune inflammation index (SII) (< 0.001), and Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI) (p= 0.005). The results of ROC curve analysis have shown that the LCR (AUC of 0.907), CRP/Ly (AUC of 0.907) can serve as excellent predictors, but NPR (AUC of 0.734), NLRP (AUC of 0.755), PLR (AUC of 0.823), SII (AUC of 0.745), and AISI (AUC of 0.688) as good predictors of MetS in T2 DM individuals.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the reliability of the CBCIIs as novel, simple, low cost and valuable predictors of MetS developing in T2DM.

Identification of Phytochemicals and Assessment of Hypoglycemic and Haematological Potentials of Terminalia catappa Linn leaf Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

INTRODUCTION

Hypoglycemia and anemia are associated with diabetes mellitus. Medicinal plants and orthodox drugs have been used for the management of this disease. This study aimed to validate the ethnomedical claims of Terminalia catappa Linn. leaf extract in reducing hyperglycemia and hematological potentials in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and to identify likely antidiabetic compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the various phytochemical constituents. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups containing 6 rats per group. Group 1 (control) received 0.2 ml/kg of distilled water, group 2 received 130 mg/kg of T. catappa aqueous extract, groups 3-5 were diabetic and received 0.2 ml/g distilled water, 130 mg/kg T. catappa extract and 0.75 IU/kg insulin respectively for 14 days. Hematological parameters were measured and an oral glucose tolerance test was carried out using 2 g/kg body weight glucose. A histological analysis of the pancreas was done.

RESULTS

Twenty-five compounds identified as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and triterpenoids were detected. The blood glucose levels were significantly (p <0.05) elevated in DM groups but were significantly (p <0.05) reduced following Terminalia catappa leaves extract to DM groups. There was s significant (p <0.05) increase in insulin levels improved hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, and platelets), and increased islet population.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that T. catappa extract has hypoglycemic, insulinogenic, and hematopoietic potentials in diabetic condition and offer protection to the pancreas which could be attributed to the phytochemical constituents thereby justifying its use in traditional therapy.

Blood Cell Parameters From Early to Middle Pregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

CONTEXT

Chronic low-grade inflammation may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, prospective studies on the relations of inflammatory blood cell parameters during pregnancy with GDM are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively investigate the associations of inflammatory blood cell parameters in both early and middle pregnancy, and their change patterns from early to middle pregnancy, with GDM risk.

METHODS

We used data from the Tongji-Shuangliu Birth Cohort. Inflammatory blood cell parameters (white blood cells [WBC], neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio [NLR], and platelets) were assayed before 15 weeks and between 16 and 28 weeks of gestational age. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between inflammatory blood cell parameters and GDM.

RESULTS

Of the 6354 pregnant women, 445 were diagnosed with GDM. After adjustment for potential confounders, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and NLR in early pregnancy were positively associated with GDM risk (odds ratios [95% CI] for extreme-quartile comparison were 2.38 [1.76-3.20], 2.47 [1.82-3.36], 1.40 [1.06-1.85], 1.69 [1.27-2.24], and 1.51 [1.12-2.02], respectively, all P for trend ≤ .010). Similarly, higher levels of WBC, neutrophils, monocytes, and NLR in middle pregnancy were associated with increased risk of GDM (all P for trend ≤ .014). Stable high levels (≥ median in both early and middle pregnancy) of WBC, neutrophils, monocytes, and NLR were positively associated with GDM risk (all P ≤ .001).

CONCLUSION

Increased WBC, neutrophils, monocytes, and NLR in both early and middle pregnancy and their stable high levels from early to middle pregnancy were associated with higher GDM risk, highlighting that they might be clinically relevant for identifying individuals at high risk for GDM.

Association between systemic immune-inflammation index and diabetes: a population-based study from the NHANES

Background

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) has been reported to be associated with diabetes. We aimed to assess possible links between SII and diabetes.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. After removing missing data for SII and diabetes, we examined patients older than 20 years. Simultaneously, the relationship between SII and diabetes was examined using weighted multivariate regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and smooth curve fitting.

Results

There were 7877 subjects in this study, the average SII was 524.91 ± 358.90, and the prevalence of diabetes was 16.07%. Weighted multivariate regression analysis found that SII was positively associated with diabetes, and in model 3, this positive association remained stable (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.06; p = 0.0006), indicating that each additional unit of SII, the possibility of having diabetes increased by 4%. Gender, age, BMI, regular exercise, high blood pressure, and smoking did not significantly affect this positive link, according to the interaction test (p for trend>0.05).

Discussion

Additional prospective studies are required to examine the precise connection between higher SII levels and diabetes, which may be associated with higher SII levels.

Causal relationship between circulating immune cells and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a Mendelian randomization study

Objectives

Though type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been known as a metabolic disease caused by multiple factors, the etiology remains insufficiently understood. Here, we aimed to figure out whether circulating immune cell profiles causally impact T2D liability.

Methods

We applied one genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of blood traits in 563,085 participants from the Blood Cell Consortium and another GWAS of flow cytometric profile of lymphocyte subsets comprising 3,757 Sardinians to identify genetically predicted blood immune cells. We also obtained GWAS summary statistics in 898,130 individuals from the DIAGRAM Consortium to evaluate genetically predicted T2D. We primarily used inverse variance weighted (IVW) and weighted median methods to perform Mendelian randomization analyses and sensitivity analyses to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy.

Results

For circulating blood leukocyte and its subpopulations, the increase of genetically predicted circulating monocyte count was causally correlated with a higher risk of T2D [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.10, p = 0.0048]. For lymphocyte subsets, CD8⁺ T cell and CD4⁺ CD8^dim T cell count were identified with causal effect on T2D susceptibility (CD8⁺ T cell: OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.03-1.17, p = 0.0053; CD4⁺ CD8^dim T cell: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08, p = 0.0070). No pleiotropy was determined.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that higher circulating monocyte and T-lymphocyte subpopulation predicted increased T2D susceptibility, which confirmed the immunity predisposition for T2D. Our results may have the potential to provide new therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of T2D.

Associations between Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Diabetes Mellitus Secondary to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

There is a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). An inflammatory response is considered as a potential mechanism involved in the process. The systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index is an integrated and novel inflammatory indicator developed in recent years. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the SII and DM secondary to PDAC.

METHOD

Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PDAC were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measures, glucose-related data (including fasting glucose, 2 h OGTT, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, and fasting c-peptide), tumor characteristics (tumor volumes, location and stages), and the periphery blood inflammatory index (white blood cell count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and SII) were recorded. The inflammation index was analyzed for its association with glucose-related parameters. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between SII levels and DM secondary to PDAC.

RESULTS

Blood cell results showed that the white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were higher in patients with diabetes. It was worth noting that SII significantly increased in patients with diabetes secondary to PDAC (4.41 vs. 3.19, p < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that SII (OR: 2.024, 95%CI: 1.297, 3.157, p = 0.002) and age (OR: 1.043, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.077, p = 0.011) were the risk factors for DM secondary to PDAC after adjusting for covariates. According to Spearmen correlation analysis, SII was positively correlated with fasting glucose (r = 0.345, p < 0.0001), 2 h OGTT (r = 0.383, p < 0.0001), HbA1c (r = 0.211, p = 0.005), fasting insulin (r = 0.435, p < 0.0001), fasting C-peptide (r = 0.420, p < 0.0001), and HOMA2-IR (r = 0.491, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, SII is significantly increased among patients with DM secondary to PDAC and is associated with the DM in patients with PDAC (OR: 2.382, 95% CI: 1.157, 4.903, p = 0.019). Additionally, SII is significantly correlated with insulin resistance. We are the first to investigate the relationship between SII and diabetes secondary to PDAC and further confirm the role of an inflammatory response in this process. More studies need to be designed to clarify how inflammatory responses participate.

Associations of levels of peripheral blood leukocyte and subtypes with type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal study of Chinese government employees

OBJECTIVES

Available evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes (T2D) may be associated with inflammation and that leukocytes are a topical clinical, biological indicator of inflammation. This study investigates the associations between peripheral blood leukocyte and subtypes levels with T2D.

METHODS

A total of 5,475 individuals were included in the baseline examination from January 2018 to April 2020, with incidence data updated to April 30, 2021, and follow-up to 5,362 individuals. T2D was defined according to the Chinese guidelines for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Physiological and biochemical indicators, including leukocyte and subtypes, were obtained from the physical examination results of the tertiary care hospitals relied on at the cohort sites. Covariates such as demographic characteristics and lifestyle were collected by questionnaire. Binary logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore the correlations. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and time-dependent ROC curves were used to estimate the predictive diagnosis of T2D across the subtype of leukocytes.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 12 months, and the cumulative incidence density of T2D was 4.0/1000 person-years. Cross-sectional results at baseline showed that the levels of peripheral blood leukocyte and its subtypes were higher in the T2D group than in the non-T2D group. Total leukocyte count and subtypes levels were grouped by quintile. After adjusting for age, sex, family history of diabetes, lifestyle score, and triglyceride levels, all were compared with the lowest quintile of each group. Logistic regression model results showed that the corrected OR for those with the highest quintile level of leukocyte was 2.01 (95% CI: 1.02-3.98). The longitudinal analysis showed that the adjusted HR was 8.43 (95%CI: 1.06-66.92) for those with the highest quintile level of leukocytes at baseline after controlling for the effects of the above covariates. For those with the highest quintile level of neutrophils at baseline, the adjusted HR was 5.05 (95%CI: 1.01-25.29). The leukocyte and subtypes had predictive values for T2D.

CONCLUSION

Patients with T2D have a higher level of peripheral blood leukocyte and subtypes than those without the disease. Elevated leukocyte and neutrophil counts may link to a higher risk of T2D.

Immunomodulatory Bandage for Accelerated Healing of Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic foot ulcers are challenging to treat. Current strategies to treat these wounds focus on preventing infection and promoting tissue regrowth but are ineffective in many individuals. Low-grade chronic inflammation is present in individuals with diabetes, and altering the inflammatory responses at the wound site could be an alternate approach to promote healing. We hypothesized that immunomodulation of the wound microenvironment would result in accelerated healing. To test this hypothesis, we began by characterizing the changes in the myeloid cell phenotype in a mouse model [leptin receptor knockout (KO) mouse] that closely mimics the type 2 diabetes condition observed in humans. We observed increased numbers of monocytes and neutrophils in the circulation of the KO mice compared to that in wild-type control mice. We also observed several phenotypic changes in neutrophils from the KO diabetic mice, suggesting low-grade systemic inflammation. Hence, we developed a rapamycin-loaded chitosan scaffold that may be used to modulate immune responses. The use of these immunomodulatory scaffolds at a wound site resulted in accelerated healing compared to the healing using blank scaffolds. In summary, our data suggest that immunomodulation may be a viable strategy to promote the healing of wounds in individuals with diabetes.

Clinical analysis and artificial intelligence survival prediction of serous ovarian cancer based on preoperative circulating leukocytes

Circulating leukocytes are an important part of the immune system. The aim of this work is to explore the role of preoperative circulating leukocytes in serous ovarian carcinoma and investigate whether they can be used to predict survival prognosis. Routine blood test results and clinical information of patients with serous ovarian carcinoma were retrospectively collected. And to predict survival according to the blood routine test result the decision tree method was applied to build a machine learning model.

The results showed that the number of preoperative white blood cells (p = 0.022), monocytes (p < 0.001), lymphocytes (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p < 0.001), and eosinophils (p < 0.001) and the monocyte to lymphocyte (MO/LY) ratio in the serous ovarian cancer group were significantly different from those in the control group. These factors also showed a correlation with other clinicopathological characteristics. The MO/LY was the root node of the decision tree, and the predictive AUC for survival was 0.69. The features involved in the decision tree were the MO/LY, differentiation status, CA125 level, neutrophils (NE,) ascites cytology, LY% and age.

In conclusion, the number and percentage of preoperative leukocytes in patients with ovarian cancer is changed significantly compared to those in the normal control group, as well as the MO/LY. A decision tree was built to predict the survival of patients with serous ovarian cancer based on the CA125 level, white blood cell (WBC) count, presence of lymph node metastasis (LNM), MO count, the MO/LY ratio, differentiation status, stage, LY%, ascites cytology, and age.

Lymphocytes ≥ 2.9 (109/L) in Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Are A Predictor of Future CVD Events

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammatory condition. The immune system is a key mediator in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. In a previous study, we found that the immune system was activated in diabetes and that total white blood cell (WBC) counts were elevated significantly in diabetic patients. To investigate whether WBC subtype counts in newly diagnosed diabetes are risk factors for future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, we conducted a prospective population-based cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 1498 newly diagnosed diabetic patients aged 40 to 70 years old were followed up for three years. Participants with previous CVD history and abnormal WBC counts were excluded. CVD events were recorded during follow-up.

RESULTS

We found that the baseline lymphocyte counts were independently associated with cardiovascular events during follow-up, with the Exp (β) (95% CI) at 1.749 (1.084-2.821). Lymphocyte count ≥2.9 (10⁹/L) was significantly associated with the development of CVD (HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.12-4.67). The corresponding incidence of CVD per 1000 person-year for the lymphocyte count ≤2.8 (10⁹/L) and lymphocyte count ≥2.9 (10⁹/L) groups were 11.26 and 26.38, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that even in a normal range, higher lymphocyte levels may result in a significantly higher CVD risk among diabetic patients. Lymphocyte count ≥2.9 (10⁹/L) is an independent predictor of developing future CVD events.

Neutrophils and their role in the aetiopathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Multiple and complex aetiological processes underlie diabetes mellitus, which invariably result in the development of hyperglycaemia. Although there are two prevalent distinct forms of the disease, that is, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, accumulating evidence indicates that these syndromes share more aetiopathological mechanisms than originally thought. This compels a rethinking of the approaches to prevent and treat the different manifestations of what eventually becomes a hyperglycaemic state. This review aims to address the involvement of neutrophils, the most abundant type of granulocytes involved in the initiation of the acute phase of inflammation, in the aetiopathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, with a focus on type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We review the evidence that neutrophils are the first leucocytes to react to and accumulate inside target tissues of diabetes, such as the pancreas and insulin-sensitive tissues. We then review available data on the role of neutrophils and their functional alteration, with a focus on NETosis, in the progression towards clinical disease. Finally, we review potential approaches as secondary and adjunctive treatments to limit neutrophil-mediated damage in the prevention of the progression of subclinical disease to clinical hyperglycaemia.

The Association Pattern between Ambient Temperature Change and Leukocyte Counts

Ambient temperature change is one of the risk factors of human health. Moreover, links between white blood cell counts (WBC) and diseases have been revealed in the literature. Still, we do not know of any association between ambient temperature change and WBC counts. The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between ambient temperature change and WBC counts. We conducted this two-year population-based observational study in Kaohsiung city, recruiting voluntary community participants. Total WBC and differential counts, demographic data and health hazard habits were collected and matched with the meteorological data of air-quality monitoring stations with participants’ study dates and addresses. Generalized additive models (GAM) with penalized smoothing spline functions were performed for the trend of temperature changes and WBC counts. There were 9278 participants (45.3% male, aged 54.3 ± 5.9 years-old) included in analysis. Compared with stable weather conditions, the WBC counts were statistically higher when the one-day lag temperature changed over 2 degrees Celsius, regardless of whether colder or hotter. We found a V-shaped pattern association between WBC counts and temperature changes in GAM. The ambient temperature change was associated with WBC counts, and might imply an impact on systematic inflammation response.

The role of systemic inflammation in the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains inconclusive. Moreover, whether inflammatory biomarkers are involved in this association has not been explored. This study aims to investigate serum 25(OH)D in relation to T2DM in a Chinese population and provide clues for the inflammatory mechanism whereby serum 25(OH)D deficiency increases T2DM risk.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 47,803 participants aged 18-96 years was performed in a health management center in 2017. Multivariate linear or logistic regression models and mediation analysis were used to examine the relationships between serum 25(OH)D, inflammatory biomarkers (white blood cell counts and mean platelet volume), and T2DM.

RESULTS

Of the 47,803 participants included, 5.2% were diabetic and 51.4% were serum 25(OH)D deficient. The study revealed a significant inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and T2DM risk after adjustment for potential confounders (P for trend = 0.002); the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across serum 25(OH)D levels (sufficiency, insufficiency, and deficiency) were 1.00 (reference), 1.17 (1.03-1.33), and 1.25 (1.09-1.43), respectively. This study also showed a significant indirect effect of serum 25(OH)D on T2DM risk through total white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count (P values < 0.05); the proportions mediated were 9.89%, 7.51%, 2.94%, and 2.82%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum 25(OH)D deficiency was independently associated with an elevated risk of T2DM in a Chinese adult population and low-grade systemic inflammation might be one of its biological mechanisms.

Association of lower vitamin D levels with inflammation and leucocytes parameters in patients with and without diabetes mellitus undergoing coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus has been associated with a chronic low-grade inflammation and a higher risk of cardiovascular and infectious disease, that could be prevented by the effects of vitamin D. We aimed at evaluating the impact of vitamin D levels on the biomarkers of acute-phase response, inflammation and glucose metabolism in a large cohort of diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography were included. Diabetes mellitus was defined as previous diagnosis, specific treatment administration (oral drug or insulin), fasting glycaemia >6.99 mmol/L or HbA1c >48 mmol/L. Glucose parameters, white blood cells, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and vitamin D were measured at admission. Vitamin D levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay kit LIAISON® Vitamin D assay (Diasorin Inc).

RESULTS

We included 1472 diabetic patients and 2499 non-diabetic patients that were divided according to vitamin D tertiles. Among diabetic patients, lower levels of vitamin D were associated with female gender (P = .02), obesity (P = .004), active smoking and acute presentation (P < .001) and with a more atherogenic metabolic profile. The levels of white blood cells, leucocytes subfamilies, and inflammatory parameters significantly correlated with vitamin D levels in both patients with and without diabetes (diabetic: P = .012 for WBC, P = .004 for NLR and P < .001 for MLR and C-reactive protein, non-diabetic: P < .001 for WBC; NLR, MLR and C-reactive protein, respectively). Among diabetic patients, results were confirmed at multivariate analysis with no significant interaction according to glycaemic control.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that, among patients with cardiovascular disease, vitamin D deficiency is associated with metabolic dysregulation and with an elevation of cellular and humoural inflammatory parameters, especially among diabetics, although not being dependent from glycaemic control.

White Blood Cell Count as a Predictor of Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Non-Obese Adults: A Longitudinal 10-Year Analysis of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study

Purpose

Limited evidence is available on whether the white blood cell (WBC) count is a predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in non-obese individuals. This study aimed to determine whether WBC count could be used as an indicator for the prediction of incident T2DM among non-obese individuals using a large, community-based Korean cohort that was observed over 10 years.

Patients and methods

A total of 4211 non-obese adults without diabetes aged 40-69 years were selected from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. The participants were divided into four groups according to WBC count quartiles. We prospectively assessed the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident T2DM, based on the American Diabetes Association criteria, using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models over 10 years after the baseline survey.

Results

During the follow-up period, 592 (14.1%) participants had newly developed T2DM. The higher quartile of WBC count groups showed significantly higher cumulative T2DM incidence over 10 years after the baseline survey (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Compared with the HRs for individuals in the referent lowest quartile, the HR (95% CI) for incident T2DM in individuals in the highest quartile was 1.55 (1.10-2.18) after adjusting for confounding variables.

Conclusion

A higher WBC count predicts future incident T2DM among community-dwelling non-obese Korean adults. This study suggests that WBC count could facilitate the prediction of non-obese individuals susceptible to T2DM.

Vitamin D affects the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Chronic inflammation is an underlying feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hypovitaminosis D is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but whether it contributes to chronic inflammation is unclear. We examined the effects of vitamin D on various immune markers to evaluate its contribution to systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, people with prediabetes and control patients without diabetes (n = 9,746). Demographic and clinical variables were evaluated using descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression. A stratified analysis based on total serum vitamin D was also carried out.

RESULTS

Neutrophil count was a significant predictor of 1,5-anhydroglucitol and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with prediabetes (1,5-anhydroglucitol: β = -0.719, P < 0.001 and HbA1c: β = -0.006, P = 0.002) and patients with diabetes (1,5-anhydroglucitol: β = 0.207, P = 0.004 and HbA1c: β = -0.067, P = 0.010). Lymphocyte count was a significant predictor of HbA1c in patients without diabetes (β = 0.056, P < 0.001) and patients with prediabetes (β = 0.038, P < 0.001). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was a significant predictor of HbA1c in patients without diabetes (β = -0.001, P = 0.032). No immune markers differed significantly based on vitamin D level among patients without diabetes (P> 0.05 for all). Among patients with prediabetes, those who were vitamin D-deficient had the highest NLR (P = 0.040). Among patients with diabetes, those who were vitamin D-deficient had the highest neutrophil count (P = 0.001), lowest lymphocyte count (P = 0.016) and highest NLR (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The NLR is strongly influenced by serum vitamin D level. Given the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and elevated NLR among chronic disease patients and the elderly, our results suggest that clinical interpretation of NLR as a predictive marker of type 2 diabetes mellitus-related inflammation should consider vitamin D level, age and pre-existing morbidity.

Association between White Blood Cells Count and Diabetes Mellitus in Tabari Cohort Study: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

White Blood Cells (WBC) can be a useful marker to predict diabetes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between WBC count with type 2 diabetes in a large-scaled population-based cohort study.

METHODS

In the present study we used a subset of data collected in enrolment phase of Tabari cohort study. Participants with fasting blood glucose ≥126 or those who report as having diabetes or taking glucose-lowering medications were selected as case group (1765 participants) and control group included participants who did not report as having diabetes (1765 participants) and they randomly selected from the baseline population. Hematology indices were measured for all participants using Celltac Alpha MEK-6510 K. Chi-squared and independent t-test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean of WBC in diabetic patients and control group was 6.89 ± 1.67 and 6.37 ± 1.49 respectively (P ≤ 0.001). The odds of diabetes based on WBC count in crud model was 1.23 [CI 95% 1.181.28] and after adjustment for all possible confounding factor was 1.17 [CI 95% 1.111.23].

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the present study showed a significant association between WBC count and diabetes. This association remained significant after adjustment for all possible confounders.

Association between Neutrophilic Granulocyte Percentage and Diabetes Mellitus in Cushing's Syndrome Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Glucose metabolism is frequently impaired in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) due to chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids. Inflammation plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus (DM). The present study aimed to investigate the potential associations of inflammatory blood cell parameters, including white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, neutrophilic granulocyte percentage (NEUT%), lymphocyte count (LYM), and lymphocyte proportion (LYM%), with diabetes mellitus in Cushing's syndrome patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, China. A total of 150 patients with Cushing's syndrome were retrospectively screened from 2017 to 2019. The demographic data, clinical data, and blood samples (lipids, adrenal, glucose, and inflammatory blood cell parameters) were recorded. Statistical analyses were carried out by using the SPSS software package, version 13.0.

RESULTS

In this study, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 38.7% in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Patients with DM had higher WBC, neutrophil, NEUT% levels than patients without DM (p < 0.05). As the NEUT% increased, a stepwise increase in glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was observed. In addition, in the multivariate logistic regression, NEUT% was a significant independent risk factor for DM, regardless of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride and 12 midnight cortisol (12 MN cortisol) level (OR = 2.542, 95% CI 1.337-4.835, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, elevated NEUT% level was linked to diabetes in patients with Cushing's syndrome. The neutrophilic granulocyte percentage may be referred to as a new predictor for diabetes in Cushing's syndrome patients.

Epidemiology of Isolated Impaired Glucose Tolerance Among Adults Aged Above 50 Years in Rural China

INTRODUCTION

Isolated impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT) is a subtype of prediabetes in which an individual demonstrates elevated 2-h post-glucose load glucose levels but normal fasting plasma glucose levels. However, few studies have explored the prevalence and risk factors of i-IGT among adults in rural China. Thus, we aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of i-IGT among adults ≥50 years old in a low-income, rural population in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individuals aged ≥50 years with normal fasting plasma glucose levels were included in the final analysis. Fasting and 2-h venous blood samples were collected to assess the selected parameter measurements.

RESULTS

A total of 2175 individuals were included in this study. The i-IGT prevalence was 22.9% and significantly higher among females than among males (P<0.05). Older age [odds ratio (OR), 1.606; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.101-2.342; P=0.014), hypertension (OR, 1.554; 95% CI, 1.152-2.019; P=0.004), and central obesity (OR, 1.395; 95% CI, 1.099-1.771; P=0.006) were associated with i-IGT. Moreover, white blood cell (OR, 1.089; 95% CI, 1.009-1.175; P=0.029), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR, 1.049; 95% CI, 1.020-1.078; P=0.001), serum uric acid (OR, 1.0003; 95% CI, 1.001-1.004; P=0.001), triglyceride (OR, 1.540; 95% CI, 1.105-2.147; P=0.011), and alanine aminotransferase (OR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.004-1.021; P=0.004) levels were also linked to i-IGT in the analyzed population.

CONCLUSION

Health promotion education and a standardized approach to managing body weight, BP, and lipid and uric acid levels would benefit this low-income population in rural China for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

A review of a potential and promising probiotic candidate-Akkermansia muciniphila

Akkermansia muciniphila, a common colonizer in the intestinal mucus layer of humans, has gradually been considered as promising candidate for the next-generation probiotic, given its physiological benefits from animal and human studies. This article comprehensively reviewed A. muciniphila from the published peer-reviewed articles in the aspects of its role in the host physiology and commonly consumed food that can boost its abundance, which should provide useful and fundamental information for scientists and engineers and even ordinary consumers. Akkermansia muciniphila is not only a crucial biomarker that indicates the physiology of human beings but also has huge potential to become a probiotic given its physiological benefits in various clinical scenarios. Current barriers in terms of regulations, necessity for large-scale clinical experiments and production feasibility need to be resolved before A. muciniphila can be widely applied as the next-generation probiotic.

Relationship Between Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Level and Impaired Fasting Glucose Among Chinese Community-Dwelling Adults: A Follow-Up Observation of 6 Years

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, as well as the cumulative risk of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) regulation in the Chinese adult population after 6 years of follow-up. Methods: A total of 1360 apparently healthy Chinese men and women who completed a community-based health examination survey and did not have IFG in central China in 2010 and 2016 were included in this study. The patients were divided into four groups according to their baseline GGT (in quartiles). The relationship between GGT levels and FBG levels was examined using general linear regression models. The effect of the GGT level on the risk of IFG was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. The first quartile group of GGT levels was set as the dummy variable in the model, and the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the remaining quartile groups relative to the first quartile group were obtained. Results: After 6 years of follow-up, 16.4% (188/1148) of participants were diagnosed with IFG. The cumulative incidence of IFG in the four groups according to their baseline GGT levels (in quartiles) was 7.7%, 16.1%, 15.8%, and 26.8%, respectively. Based on the Cox multiple regression, the hazard ratio for IFG increased by 28.9% for each unit of increase in the baseline GGT level after adjusting for the confounding factors. The GGT levels of participants in the first quartile were used as the reference group. The relative risks of IFG in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of GGT were 1.70, 1.55, and 2.46, respectively (P = 0.005). Conclusions: GGT was positively associated with the risk of IFG and can be used as an indicator to assess whether a patient may develop prediabetes.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are formed by decondensed chromatin, histones, and neutrophil granular proteins and have a role in entrapping microbial pathogens. NETs, however, have pro-thrombotic properties by stimulating fibrin deposition, and increased NET levels correlate with larger infarct size and predict major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. NETs have been involved also in the pathogenesis of diabetes, as high glucose levels were found to induce NETosis. Accordingly, NETs have been described as drivers of diabetic complications, such as diabetic wound and diabetic retinopathy. Inflammasomes are macromolecular structures involved in the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1, which is a key mediator in CV diseases. A crosstalk between the inflammasome and NETs is known for some rheumatologic diseases, while this link is still under investigation and not completely understood in CV diseases. In this review, we summarized the most recent updates about the role of NETs in acute myocardial infarction and metabolic diseases and provided an overview on the relationship between NET and inflammasome activities in rheumatologic diseases, speculating a possible link between these two entities also in CV diseases.

The Effect of Inflammation on the Formation of Thyroid Nodules

BACKGROUND

Some studies have demonstrated that inflammation is highly associated with the prevalence of thyroid nodules (TNs). However, more confounders, such as metabolic diseases, should be adjusted.

METHODS

A clinical study collecting 2722 subjects was conducted to confirm the association between inflammation and TNs. The underlying mechanism was investigated in combination with bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

In the clinical study, propensity score matching was used to match metabolic parameters and other confounders, and it is observed that subjects with high inflammation had a higher prevalence of TNs and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) than those with low inflammation. After further matching TNs, it is found that inflammation was positively associated with TSH, which was also demonstrated in a population without TNs. In bioinformatics study, inflammation did not promote TNs formation directly. Instead, it inhibited the synthesis of thyroid hormone, which might be the cause of the elevated TSH coexisting with inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Inflammation promotes the development of TNs disease, probably due to its indirect effect through inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormone, which results in the elevation of TSH.

Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers: a proof-of-concept exploratory study

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a constellation of comorbidities that predispose individuals to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)¹. The gut microbiota is considered as a new key contributor involved in the onset of obesity-related disorders². In humans, studies have provided evidence for a negative correlation between Akkermansia muciniphila abundance and overweight, obesity, untreated T2DM, or hypertension^3–8. As the administration of A.muciniphila has never been investigated in humans, we conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study in overweight/obese insulin resistant volunteers, 40 were enroled and 32 completed the trial. The primary endpoints were on safety, tolerability and metabolic parameters (i.e., insulin resistance, circulating lipids, visceral adiposity, body mass). The secondary outcomes were the gut barrier function (i.e., plasma lipopolysacharrides (LPS) and gut microbiota composition. In this single-center study, we demonstrated that daily oral supplementation of 10¹⁰ bacteria either alive or pasteurized A.muciniphila for 3 months was safe and well tolerated. Compared to the Placebo, pasteurized A.muciniphila improved insulin sensitivity (+28.62±7.02%, P=0.002), reduced insulinemia (-34.08±7.12%, P=0.006) and plasma total cholesterol (-8.68±2.38%, P=0.02). Pasteurized A.muciniphila supplementation slightly decreased body weight (-2.27±0.92kg, P=0.091) as compared to the Placebo group, and fat mass (-1.37±0.82kg, P=0.092) and hip circumference (-2.63±1.14cm, P = 0.091) as compared to baseline. After 3 months of supplementation, A.muciniphila reduced the levels of relevant blood markers of liver dysfunction and inflammation while the overall gut microbiome structure was unaffected. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept study (NCT02637115) shows that the intervention was safe and well-tolerated and that the supplementation with A.muciniphila improves several metabolic paramaters.

Metformin Monotherapy Downregulates Diabetes-Associated Inflammatory Status and Impacts on Mortality

Aging is the main risk factor for developing diabetes and other age-related diseases. One of the most common features of age-related comorbidities is the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation. This is also the case of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. At the subclinical level, a pro-inflammatory phenotype was shown to be associated with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This low to mid-grade inflammation is also present in elderly individuals and has been termed inflammaging. Whether inflammation is a component of aging or exclusively associated with age-related diseases in not entirely known. We used clinical data and biological readouts in a group of individuals stratified by age, diabetes status and comorbidities to investigate this aspect. While aging is the main predisposing factor for several diseases there is a concomitant increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. DM patients show an increased level of sTNFRll, sICAM-1, and TIMP-1 when compared to Healthy, Non-DM and Pre-DM individuals. These inflammatory molecules are also associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in Non-DM and pre-DM individuals. We also show that metformin monotherapy was associated with significantly lower levels of inflammatory molecules, like TNFα, sTNFRI, and sTNFRII, when compared to other monotherapies. Longitudinal follow up indicates a higher proportion of death occurs in individuals taking other monotherapies compared to metformin monotherapy. Together our finding shows that chronic inflammation is present in healthy elderly individuals and exacerbated with diabetes patients. Likewise, metformin could help target age-related chronic inflammation in general, and reduce the predisposition to comorbidities and mortality.

Association between serum magnesium and blood count: influence of type 2 diabetes and central obesity

The relationship between serum Mg and blood cell counts in Chinese adult diabetes or central obesity was assessed by investigating 8163 subjects with China Health and Nutrition Survey (mean age 59⋅6 years, 54⋅9 % men). Participants were classified according to blood Mg (below 0⋅65 mmol/l, or 0⋅66–0⋅94 mmol/l or above 0⋅95 mmol/l), type 2 diabetes (yes/no) and central obesity (yes/no). Leucocytes, erythrocytes, platelets (PLT), Hb and glycated Hb (HbA1c) were determined using standardised methods and conditions. HbAc1, leucocytes and PLT were significantly higher among subjects with central obesity than without central obesity (P &lt; 0⋅05). A significant increase for Hb, erythrocytes, PLT, but not leucocytes, across progressive Mg groups was observed in subjects without diabetes (P &lt; 0⋅05). Hb, erythrocytes and HbAc1 were significantly higher among subjects with higher Mg than in subjects with lower Mg with diabetes (P &lt; 0⋅05). Central obesity disturbed the positive association between PLT count and serum Mg. Type 2 diabetes caused metabolism disorder in serum Mg, blood sugar and blood cell count. Hb, erythrocytes and PLT, but not leucocytes, are positively correlated with serum Mg, but this association is somehow disturbed by type 2 diabetes or central obesity.

The changes in immune cell concentration during the progression of pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes in a high-fat high-carbohydrate diet-induced pre-diabetic rat model

Pre-diabetes is a long-lasting condition that precedes type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D has been shown to suppress the immune response. However, it remains unclear if immune activation occurs before the onset of T2D during the progression of the pre-diabetic state. This study sought to characterize the changes in general immunity occurring during the progression from pre-diabetes to T2D. Male rats were fed a high-fat high-carbohydrate diet for 20 weeks (pre-diabetes induction period) and kept on the same diet being monitored for a further 12 weeks (experimental period). Blood was collected for haemocytometer analysis on week 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the experimental period after which the animals were sacrificed. Plasma was collected from centrifuged blood for ELISA (TNF-α, CRP, P-selectin, CD40 L, fibrinogen, and IL-6). Blood neutrophils percentage significantly decreased at week 12 possibly due to recruited neutrophils migrating to an inflamed area such as visceral adipose tissue as further observed. Due to hyperglycaemia, there was significant increase in blood lymphocytes percentage at week 12. Blood monocytes percentage significantly increased at week 12. Monocytes recruited and circulated in blood due to hyperglycaemia for glucose uptake to decrease it from circulation. Blood eosinophils percentage significantly decreased at week 12. Eosinophils migrated to inflamed areas such as visceral adipose tissue as further observed. Blood basophils percentage significantly increased due to their recruitment and activation. TNF-α, CRP, and IL-6 increased significantly after 12 weeks. There was also upregulation of fibrinogen, P-selectin, and CD40L. The results of this study show that there are changes in immune cells concentration and that immune cells such as neutrophils and eosinophils migrate to inflamed areas such as adipose tissue. There is also upregulation of various inflammatory cytokines. Based on these findings, immune activation begins during the pre-diabetic state as there is upregulation of inflammatory markers.

Comparison of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic subjects

Objective:

To compare the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios as possible parameters of systemic inflammation in hyperglycemic and normoglycemic subjects.

Methods:

A retrospective, cross-sectional study of data collected from patients tested for fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood count on the same day, between July and December 2016. Patients were divided into hyperglycemic and normoglycemic, and matched by age and sex. The data were analyzed using Epi Info™, version 7.2.1.0, for the Windows^® platform.

Results:

We enrolled 278 subjects, 139 hyperglycemic and 139 normoglycemic. The absolute number of leukocytes and neutrophils was higher in the Hyperglycemic Group (p=0.006 and p=0.004, respectively). There was no difference in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio between the Hyperglycemic Group and the Normoglycemic Group (2.1 versus 2.0; p=0.264), and both neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios showed no differences between those with HbA1c ≥7% (n=127, p=0.778) and those with HbA1c <7% (n=12, p=0.490). In contrast, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was lower in the Hyperglycemic Group (117.8 versus 129.6; p=0.007).

Conclusion:

Hyperglycemic subjects had a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio similar to that of normoglycemic subjects, but had a lower platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. Future prospective studies will be useful to determine the importance and prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios in the hyperglycemic state.

Association of changes in inflammation with variation in glycaemia, insulin resistance and secretion based on the KORA study

AIMS

Subclinical systemic inflammation may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, but its association with early progression of glycaemic deterioration in persons without diabetes has not been fully investigated. Our primary aim was to assess longitudinal associations of changes in pro-inflammatory (leukocytes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)) and anti-inflammatory (adiponectin) markers with changes in markers that assessed glycaemia, insulin resistance, and secretion (HbA_1c , HOMA-IR, and HOMA-ß). Furthermore, we aimed to directly compare longitudinal with cross-sectional associations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study includes 819 initially nondiabetic individuals with repeated measurements from the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) S4/F4 cohort study (median follow-up: 7.1 years). Longitudinal and cross-sectional associations were simultaneously examined using linear mixed growth models. Changes in markers of inflammation were used as independent and changes in markers of glycaemia/insulin resistance/insulin secretion as dependent variables. Models were adjusted for age, sex, major lifestyle and metabolic risk factors for diabetes using time-varying variables in the final model.

RESULTS

Changes of leukocyte count were positively associated with changes in HbA_1c and HOMA-ß while changes in adiponectin were inversely associated with changes in HbA_1c . All examined cross-sectional associations were statistically significant; they were generally stronger and mostly directionally consistent to the longitudinal association estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse changes in low-grade systemic inflammation go along with glycaemic deterioration and increased insulin secretion independently of changes in other risk factors, suggesting that low-grade inflammation may contribute to the development of hyperglycaemia and a compensatory increase in insulin secretion.

sFasL-mediated induction of neutrophil activation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Fas/Fas ligand system was shown to be related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the role of soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) in functioning of immune cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been studied yet. The aim of the present study was to determine in vitro effects of sFasL on neutrophil activation and apoptosis. We demonstrate here that sFasL exhibited proinflammatory effect and induced mRNA levels of caspase-1, NF-κB, IL-1β and CD18 expression. At the same time, sFasL induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Activation of caspase-1 activity abolished sFasL-dependent apoptosis, and suppressed Fas expression and mRNA levels of caspase-3 in neutrophils from T2DM patients. Collectively, our findings identify a novel proinflammatory role of sFasL in T2DM neutrophils that is dependent of caspase activity. Thus, sFasL enhances inflammatory response of neutrophils from T2DM patients without increasing apoptosis suggesting its triggering role in T2DM inflammation.

White blood cells count as an indicator to identify whether obesity leads to increased risk of type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Obesity promotes a variety of poor health outcomes, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, not all obese people are at an elevated risk of T2D. Obesity is closely linked to chronic inflammation. In addition, inflammation is an important contributor to T2D via the processes of insulin resistance and islet β-cell failure. Therefore, we hypothesize that white blood cells (WBC) count, a marker of subclinical inflammation, can be used as an indicator to identify whether or not obesity leads to increased risk of T2D. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a prospective cohort study in a general population.

METHODS

A total of 47,678 subjects were followed up from 2007 to 2016. WBC count was determined by automated hematology analyzer. T2D and obesity were defined in accordance with the criteria of the World Health Organization. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess relationships between obese status, WBC count and the incidence of T2D.

RESULTS

During the approximately ∼9-year follow-up period (median duration of follow-up: 3.48y), 1463 subjects developed T2D. In the final multivariate model, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of T2D for obese participants with elevated WBC count, non-obese participants with elevated WBC count, and non-obese participants with low WBC count, when compared to obese participants with low WBC count were: 1.22(1.03-1.44), 1.37(1.12-1.66) and 0.99(0.83-1.20), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that WBC count can be used as an indicator to identify whether or not obesity leads to increased risk of T2D.

Comparing the inflammatory profiles for incidence of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases: a prospective study exploring the 'common soil' hypothesis

Background

Chronic low-grade inflammation and associated insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities have been proposed as ‘common soil’ for diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This paper aimed to investigate the inflammatory profiles of DM and CVD and to distinguish their shared and specific markers.

Methods

Based on the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort, total and differential leukocyte counts were measured in 25,969 participants without previous DM or CVD and were studied in relation to incident DM (mean follow-up 17.4 ± 5.58 years) and incident CVD (i.e., coronary events, including fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke); mean follow-up 17.7 ± 5.46 years, using multivariable Cox regression models. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of another seven inflammatory markers were examined in relation to incident DM and incident CVD in a sub-cohort of 4658 participants. The associations of each inflammatory marker with incident DM versus incident CVD were compared using the Lunn–McNeil competing risks approach. In sensitivity analyses, those who developed both DM and CVD during follow-up were excluded.

Results

After adjustment for conventional risk factors, total and differential leukocyte counts, orosomucoid, and C-reactive protein were associated with an increased risk of both DM and CVD. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, ceruloplasmin, alpha1-antitrypsin and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor predicted increased risk of CVD but not DM, while haptoglobin and complement C3 showed the opposite pattern. In competing risks analyses, lymphocyte count and complement C3 had stronger associations with risk of DM than with risk of CVD (p for equal associations = 0.020 and 0.006). The reverse was true for neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (p for equal associations = 0.025). Results were consistent in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

The results indicated substantial similarities in the inflammatory profiles associated with DM and CVD. However, there are also significant differences. These findings may help discriminate between individuals at elevated risk of DM and those at elevated risk of CVD, which is a prerequisite for targeted therapies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-018-0733-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mediation analysis of systemic inflammation on the association between periodontitis and glycaemic status

AIM

This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between periodontitis, systemic inflammation and glycaemic status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The participants were divided into three groups: normoglycaemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations between periodontitis severity and glycaemic status, adjusting for potential confounders. Mediation analysis of four systemic inflammatory biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), was performed.

RESULTS

This study comprised 2,036 participants, aged 39-66 years. Severe periodontitis was associated with IFG and diabetes with odds ratios of 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.4, p = .023) and 2.4 (95% CI: 1.3-4.5, p = .006), respectively. The CRP, WBC and PLR were associated with both periodontitis severity and glycaemic status (p < .05). In contrast, the NLR was associated with periodontitis severity (p < .05) but not glycaemic status (p > .05). The CRP, WBC and PLR mediated 8%, 13% and 6%, respectively, of the association between severe periodontitis and diabetes. Similar proportions mediated were observed for the periodontitis-IFG association.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the role of systemic inflammation as mediators of the associations between periodontitis and IFG or diabetes.

Red blood cell distribution width and the risk of being in poor glycemic control among patients with established type 2 diabetes

Background

The red cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to be associated with the incidence and complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the relevance of RDW with the risk of being in poor glycemic control among patients with established T2D is largely overlooked.

Methods

A total of 702 T2D participants from the REACTION study were enrolled in this study. Blood routine index, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c and lipid profile data were available for all of the enrolled population.

Results

The univariate logistic analysis revealed a significant association between RDW and the risk of being in poor glycemic control among T2D subjects with an odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.5 and 0.3–0.8, respectively, for the fourth vs the first quartile of RDW. The association strengthened after multivariable adjustment (OR [95% CI]: 0.3 [0.2–0.7]). Interaction and stratified analyses indicated that this association was seen only among T2D subjects with lower body mass index and/or serum lipid levels.

Conclusion

T2D patients with higher RDW had significantly lower risk of being in poor glycemic control. RDW may contribute to risk assessment for T2D individuals at risk of being in poor glycemic control.