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Characterization of Immune Cells in Human Adipose Tissue by Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: March 6, 2018
Lymphocyte sub-population cell counts are associated with the metabolic syndrome and its components in the Vietnam
Anna C Phillips1, Douglas Carroll, Catharine R Gale
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK. a.c.phillips@bham.ac.uk
Insights
High counts of T, T4, T8, and B lymphocytes are linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). These lymphocyte sub-populations may serve as prognostic indicators for MetS risk.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS) significantly elevates cardiovascular disease risk.
- MetS is associated with elevated white blood cell counts.
- Previous research suggests a link between lymphocyte sub-populations and cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lymphocyte sub-population counts and the presence of MetS.
- To determine if specific lymphocyte types (T, T4, T8, B cells) are independently associated with MetS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 4255 Vietnam-era US veterans.
- MetS diagnosis based on BMI, glucose, blood pressure, HDL, and triglycerides.
- Lymphocyte sub-population counts (T, T4, T8, B cells) measured via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Elevated T cells (OR=2.68), T4 cells (OR=2.37), T8 cells (OR=1.79), and B cells (OR=1.82) were significantly associated with increased MetS risk.
- Higher lymphocyte counts correlated with a greater likelihood of having MetS components and a higher number of components.
Conclusions:
- Specific lymphocyte sub-population counts are associated with MetS.
- These findings expand on research limited to total white blood cells or lymphocytes.
- Lymphocyte counts may offer a novel prognostic indicator for MetS risk.
Objective:
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. MetS is also associated with increases in the number of circulating white blood cells. Lymphocyte sub-population counts have also been implicated in cardiovascular disease; this analysis will examine whether or not they are associated with MetS.
Methods:
Participants were 4255 Vietnam-era US veterans. From military service files, telephone interviews, and a medical examination, occupational, socio-demographic, and health data were collected. MetS was ascertained from: body mass index; fasting blood glucose or a diabetes medication; blood pressure or a diagnosis of hypertension; HDL cholesterol; and triglyceride levels. Circulating T, T4, T8 and B lymphocytes cell numbers were determined by flow cytometry.
Results:
In fully adjusted logistic regression analyses, high lymphocyte sub-population counts were associated with an increased risk of MetS: T cells, OR=2.68, 95%CI 1.99-3.61, p<.001; T4 cells, OR=2.37, 95%CI 1.78-3.15, p<.001; T8 cells, OR=1.79, 95%CI 1.43-2.24, p<.001; B cells, OR=1.82, 95%CI 1.51-2.19, p<.001. High lymphocyte sub-population numbers were also associated with an increased likelihood of possessing each of the MetS components, as well as the number of components possessed.
Conclusions:
These results extend previous research which has largely been confined to total white blood cell or overall lymphocyte counts. If the present associations arise in prospective research, it is possible that simple lymphocyte cell counts could provide an additional prognostic indicator of risk for MetS.
