Peripheral invariant natural killer T cell deficiency in metabolically unhealthy but normal weight versus metabolically healthy but obese individuals.
Objective To investigate the proportion of circulating invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in four body health types. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants were classified into four body health types according to the body mass index and metabolic status: metabolically healthy and normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy but normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy but obese (MHO), or metabolically unhealthy and obese (MUO). Demographic and clinical characteristics were measured, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. The proportion of circulating iNKT cells was also evaluated by flow cytometry. Results The study enrolled 41 MHNW, 37 MUNW, 30 MHO, and 43 MUO participants. Compared with the MHNW group, the MUNW, MHO, and MUO groups had significantly lower iNKT cell proportions. The iNKT cell proportion was significantly higher in the MHO group than the MUNW and MUO groups. The iNKT cell proportion was inversely correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, HOMA-IR, and VAI values. Conclusion The proportion of iNKT cells was lower in people (lean or obese) with excessive visceral fat accumulation, suggesting that iNKT cell deficiency may be involved in the pathophysiology of obesity-related metabolic disorders.
1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, China.
Xiao-Li
XL
Wang
1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, China.
Xiang-Yun
XY
Chang
1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, China.
Xiao-Xiao
XX
Tang
2 Department of Medical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.
Zhi-Gang
ZG
Chen
2 Department of Medical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.
Ting
T
Zhou
1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, China.
Kan
K
Sun
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D050152:Intra-Abdominal Fat / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000067329:Obesity, Metabolically Benign / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D002097:C-Reactive Protein
Invariant natural killer T cell; metabolically healthy but obese; metabolically unhealthy and obese; metabolically unhealthy but normal weight; visceral adiposity index