Background: Chronic immune activation has been described in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). However, the precise functional role of T-cells remains controversial. We therefore, assessed T-cell activation and cardiovascular risk in T2D.
Methods: The protocol was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42018099745]. We searched electronic databases and grey literature for eligible studies. The risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed and the random-effects model was used in the meta-analysis.
Findings: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. We report on increased T-cell activation in T2D and nondiabetics with CVD. Comorbidity of T2D and CVD (T2D + CVD) exacerbated T-cell activation. In addition, T2D + CVD comorbidity was associated with an increased CVD risk profile.
Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests increased T-cell activation in T2D and nondiabetics with CVD. Moreover, an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with T2D which is exacerbated in T2D and CVD comorbidity.
Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Inflammation; T-cell activation; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.