Natural killer cell levels in adults living with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies

BACKGROUND: Chronic immune activation and hyperglycaemia are a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) while natural killer (NK) cells are involved in the pathogenesis of T2D. Dysregulated NK cell responses are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients living with T2D. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive and systematic evidence-based estimate on the levels of NK cells in patients living with T2D. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 studies reporting on 491 adult patients with T2D and 1064 nondiabetic controls. The pooled effect estimates showed increased levels of NK cells in adult patients with T2D compared to controls (MD: 0.03 [− 3.20, 3.26], I(2) = 97%, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Overall, the evidence presented in this systematic review shows that the changes in NK cells in patients living with T2D are still unclear and further studies are needed.