T-cell activation and cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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. 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. 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. 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. •We report on increased T-cell activation in T2D patients and nondiabetics with cardiovascular disease (CVD).•Moreover, the degree of T-cell activation was further exacerbated in T2D and CVD comorbidity.•Patients with T2D and those with T2D and CVD comorbidity, have an increased CVD risk of when compared to healthy controls.