Is the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio an Exceptional Indicator for Metabolic Syndrome Disease and Outcomes?

Abstract

Objectives: To show that there is relation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and metabolic syndrome and also, its components.

Findings: Metabolic syndrome is associated with elevated fasting blood glucose, increased blood pressure, central obesity, decreased high-density lipoprotein, and increased triglyceride levels. Because of its growing incidence and prevalence and the effect that it has on developing other noncommunicable diseases, the importance gets even more value. The prediction and control of this disease in its early stages and in the most inexpensive way is of crucial need. Due to the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in metabolic syndrome, cytokines and inflammatory factors (like interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) play a critical role on this phenomenon. The NLR is an inflammatory marker that has an unchallenging availability and has a reasonable cost. The NLR is related to obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and blood cholesterol levels.

Conclusion: This suggests that there may be a relationship between the NLR and metabolic syndrome. The NLR, as a low-grade inflammation marker, indicates a positive relationship with central obesity. Also, studies indicate that the incidence of diabetes, its severity, and its control are related to the NLR. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia can both be noticed with higher NLRs. This rapid review assesses the association between metabolic syndrome and the NLR.

Keywords: NLR; metabolic syndrome; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.