Impaired Treg and NK cells profile in overweight women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Problem: Maternal obesity is frequently associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and immunological mechanisms seem to be involved in the physiopathology of these conditions. The aim of this study was to characterize the profile of immune cells in peripheral blood of overweight women with GDM.

Method of study: This case-control study included 27 glucose-tolerant (controls) and 31 GDM overweight pregnant women. Flow cytometry was used to assess the number of regulatory T cells (Treg) and natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood. In addition, the expression of IL-10, TGF-B, and TNF-A in Treg and expression of IFN-G, TNF-A, granzyme, and perforin in NK cells were analyzed.

Results: GDM patients had significantly lower frequency of TCD4⁺ CD25^bright and TCD4⁺ CD25⁺ FOXP3^high cells, higher production of TNF-A by Treg cells and higher percentage of NKCD16⁺ 56^dim cells than the controls.

Conclusion: The association between obesity and GDM is a condition where it is observed impaired Treg and NK cells profile, findings that seem to be related with the development of IR and inflammation.

Keywords: cytokine; gestational diabetes; natural killer cells; overweight; regulatory T cells.