Cytokines Activating ILCs2 in Patients With Obesity Before and After Bariatric Surgery Shortened Title: ILCs2 in Patients With Obesity

Abstract/Purpose: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are integral regulators of adipose tissue type 2 immunity and respond to epithelial signals such as IL-25, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoeitin (TSLP). Purpose was to assess cytokines activating ILCs2 in serum of patients with obesity and effect of bariatric surgery on these parametersMaterial and Methods: In a single-center prospective study serum IL-25, IL-33, TSLP and ST2L levels were assayed at baseline and at 6 months after bariatric surgery and correlated with anthropometric changes and metabolism parameters.Results Mean age and median of BMI of study participants were 41.9 years ± 11 and 45.6 kg/m 2 (range 36.3-56.3), respectively. Six months after surgery %EWL was 43.1 ± 10.2%. Serum TSLP was significantly lower in patients with obesity both before and after surgery than in healthy controls. TSLP values before operation were significantly correlated to HbA1c%, glucose plasma level and female sex. Serum IL-25, IL-33 and ST2L levels were comparable to controls both before and after operation. Conclusions: Decreased serum levels of TSLP may be a characteristic trait for obesity, however non-modifiable by body mass surgical reduction in short time observation. Low serum levels of TSLP are related to disturbances in glucose metabolism and female sex.