Impact of prebiotic supplementation on T-cell subsets and their related cytokines, anthropometric features and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized placebo-controlled Trial

•We evaluated the effects of prebiotic supplement on T-cell subsets and their related cytokines.•Significant improvements in serum IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ concentrations occurred.•Blood pressure and serum lipids improved well after intervention period.

Backgrounds and aimsType 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) asone of the main causes of morbidity and mortality is associated with immune system disturbances and metabolic abnormalities. In the current study we aimed to evaluate the effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on T-cell subsets and their related cytokines, anthropometric and metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM.MethodsForty-six diabetic females patients were randomly allocated into intervention (n = 27) and control (n = 22) groups. Subjects in the intervention group received a daily dose of 10 g of oligofructose-enriched inulin and subjects in control group received a placebo for two months. Anthropometric variables, metabolic parameters including fasting serum glucose (FSG), hemoglobin A1 c (HbA1c), lipid profile and blood pressure were measured at the beginning and after two months. Immune markers also included serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ concentrations were assessed and CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD11b+T-cell counts were determined by flow cytometry at baseline and end of the trial.ResultsAfter two months intervention, significant improvements in anthropometric variables, blood pressure and serum lipids occurred in prebiotic-treated group (P < 0.001). Serum IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ concentrationsalso significantly decreased in intervention group (P < 0.001). No significant changes in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD11b+ T-cell counts were observed in treatment groups after intervention.ConclusionThe present study showed several beneficial effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on the improvement of the glycemic status, lipid profile, and immune markers in patients with T2DM. Further studies are needed to confirming our findings and to better clarify the underlying mechanisms.