Comparative Assessment of Immune Cell Subset Ratios (NKT/NK, Th/Tc, B1/B2) in Gestational Diabetes and Healthy Pregnancy: Links to Biochemical and Immunochemical Profiles.

Introduction

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a common pregnancy metabolic disorder involving immune alterations. While there is a link between immune cells and GD, the specific roles of NKT/NK, helper/cytotoxic T, and B1/B2 lymphocyte ratios in complicated/uncomplicated pregnancies with and without GD are underexplored. This cross-sectional study hypothesized that specific imbalances in these lymphocyte ratios would be present in GD, and that these ratios would correlate with key metabolic parameters in pregnancy.

Methods

We compared these lymphocyte ratios in 162 third-trimester pregnant women across four groups: healthy uncomplicated (n = 40), healthy complicated (n = 40), GD uncomplicated (n = 42), and GD complicated (n = 40), using flow cytometry and by measuring biochemical parameters.

Results

No significant differences in lymphocyte ratios were found between GD and healthy pregnancies. Novel correlations emerged: in the entire cohort, the NKT/NK ratio positively correlated with C-peptide and triglycerides, and negatively with HDL cholesterol. The helper/cytotoxic ratio negatively correlated with insulin and C-peptide. In the GD group, NKT/NK correlated positively with C-peptide, and helper/cytotoxic negatively with insulin.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a subtle yet significant link between immune cell subsets and metabolic status in pregnancy and GD, warranting further investigation.