Professor Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Disclosure(s):
Giovanna Degasperi, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Introduction/Rationale: According to the World Obesity Federation, it is estimated that 206 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 are obese, and this number will rise by 2030. Due to its high incidence, obesity has become a public health concern, which contributes to alterations in metabolic parameters such as insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Studies have also reported changes in the number and function of immune cells in obese children. This systematic review aims to determine whether there is a correlation between the number and functions of T lymphocytes and metabolic parameters.
Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed, SciElo, and Scopus databases identified studies relevant to our aim, which were included for analysis and discussion.
Results: Results from the articles showed an increase in Th17, CD8⁺T effector memory cells, and B cells, but a decrease in T regulatory and natural killer cells in obese children. These results also suggested a correlation between circulating Th17 frequency and fasting insulin, erythrocyte count, and glucose. A relationship was also identified between the Th17/Treg ratio and both total plasma cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. CD8⁺T effector memory cell counts showed an association with total and visceral fat mass. Similarly, the number of circulating CD19⁺ B cells was linked to the percentual fat mass, the android/gynoid fat mass ratio, inflammatory markers, and leptin levels. Additionally, both the frequency and absolute number of CD3⁺CD4⁺ T cells showed an association with fat mass and circulating leptin.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight that T cell alterations in obese children are closely related with metabolic parameters, including glucose, insulin, and lipid profile. A better understanding of this association in further research may reveal whether these T cells may be considered new markers for childhood obesity and its clinical outcomes, as well as whether they may represent a promising therapeutic target in obesity.
