Activation of Conjunctiva-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in Diabetic Patients

To evaluate changes in conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissues (CALTs) in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Thirty-two patients with T2DM and 32 healthy volunteers underwent comprehensive examinations. In vivo confocal microscopy and Image J were used to observe and evaluate the patients’ CALT-related parameters. Conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) samples of the tarsal conjunctiva were collected from the patients, and CD4+ and CD8+ cells were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. The diabetes group showed higher diffuse lymphocyte density(<i>p</i> &lt; .001), follicular density(<i>p</i> &lt; .001) and parafollicular lymphocyte density(<i>p</i> &lt; .001). The percentages of CD4+ cells (<i>p</i> &lt; .001) and CD8+ cells (<i>p</i> &lt; .001) in the diabetes group were higher than those in the control group. CALT-related parameters of the diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy showed higher degrees of activation than those of the diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy. CALT activation is observed in patients with T2DM, and the activation is more obvious in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Retrospectively registered, ChiCTR2100046030.