Aim: The present study evaluates the relationship between the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Method: This prospective cohort study evaluated 125 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The MHR before and at 6 months after surgery were compared in patients with <50 and ≥50 %EWL. Results: The MHR was lower in patients with a %EWL of <50 than in patients with a %EWL of ≥50 (p = 0.019). The decrease in the MHR at postoperative 6 months was more remarkable in patients with a %EWL of ≥50 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study suggests that MHR decreased more remarkably at postoperative 6 months in patients with high %EWL, predicting a decrease in cardiovascular risk.
Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; excess weight loss monocyte/HDL cholesterol ratio; obesity; sleeve gastrectomy.
Lay abstract The primary focus of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is to achieve sufficient weight loss to reduce cardiovascular events while minimizing surgical morbidity. The present study found a significant relationship between the percentage of excess weight loss and monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), the decrease in MHR being more remarkable with increasing excess weight loss and mostly attributable to the monocyte component. MHR can be used as a marker of atherosclerosis to monitor patients if they have achieved a reduction in cardiovascular risks. Monocyte count can be used as a simple substitute in conditions where MHR is not readily available.