Leukocytes in type 1 diabetes mellitus: the changes they undergo and induce

Abstract

As leukocytes represent cellular and humoral immunity at the same time, they are a vital part of every immune process. This also stands for autoimmune processes and disorders, such as diabetes, specifically type 1 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most widespread autoimmune diseases. Development of type 1 diabetes mellitus is mediated through complicated mechanisms of intercellular communication where leukocytes function as the key element, being both effectors and regulators. However, the immunocompetent cells are also affected by diabetic alterations, powered by chronic hyperglycemia. For example, the products of non-enzymatic interaction of glucose or other reducing sugars with either proteins or lipids, called advanced glycation end products, are associated with the development of long-term negative changes in diabetes. By binding to the receptors for advanced glycation end-products, they trigger the signaling pathways involved in expression of pro-inflammatory genes, which results in diabetic complications. As long as diabetes mellitus remains a global healthcare issue and several details of its pathogenesis are still to be discovered, it is important to analyze and investigate the peculiarities of alterations in leukocytes under type 1 diabetes mellitus, particularly the ones caused by advanced glycation end-products and their receptors.