Th1/Th2 Balance in Young Subjects: Relationship with Cytokine Levels and Metabolic Profile

Purpose: We aim to identify Th1 and Th2 cell clusters in young subjects, including their clinical and metabolic characteristics and the Th1/Th2 balance. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 participants were included. The frequencies of Th1 and Th2 cells in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. Serum C-reactive protein was measured using a turbidimetric assay, and insulin levels were quantified with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating cytokine levels were analyzed using a multiplex system. Results: A cluster analysis was performed to determine the Th1/Th2 balance in a group of young people, and 3 clusters were formed with the following characteristics: 1) subjects with a higher prevalence of hyperglycemia (38%), dyslipidemia (38-75%), and insulin resistance (50%), as well as a higher percentage of Th1 cells and Th1/Th2 ratio, including elevated IFN-gamma levels; 2) subjects with a lower prevalence of hyperglycemia (23%) and insulin resistance (15.4%), but a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (8-85%) with a predominance of Th2 cells, and lower Th1/Th2 ratio; 3) subjects with a lower prevalence of hyperglycemia (6%), insulin resistance (41%), and dyslipidemia (10-63%), as well as a balance of Th1 and Th2 cells and lower Th1/Th2 ratio, including low IFN-gamma levels. Positive correlations between Th1 cells with IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-1 beta and between Th2 cells with IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-4 were found (p < 0.05). A significant increase in Th1 cells was observed in the presence of hyperglycemia and high LDL-C levels, as well as increased Th2 cells in the absence of abdominal obesity and high blood pressure, including low HDL-C levels. The Th1/Th2 ratio was higher in the group with high cardiometabolic risk (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Th1/Th2 balance is related to metabolic abnormalities that may occur in young population, and thus the timely identification of different phenotypes may help predict an increased cardiometabolic risk.

Automated summary

The study aimed to identify Th1 and Th2 cell clusters in young subjects and their characteristics, as well as the Th1/Th2 balance. Three clusters were formed based on clinical and metabolic characteristics, showing associations between Th1/Th2 balance and cardiometabolic risk factors in young population.