Correlation of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with metabolic parameters in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy

Insights into the clinical impact of complete blood cell inflammatory markers on body composition variations and fatty liver grading in Iranian adults undergoing bariatric surgery: a retrospective longitudinal study

Background

In bariatric surgery, inflammatory biomarkers predict outcomes. Limited research on complete blood cell (CBC) markers stresses the need for correlation study. This research explores links between CBC inflammatory markers, body changes, and fatty liver grades in Iranian bariatric patients.

Materials and methods

This retrospective longitudinal study examined 237 bariatric surgery patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria and were deemed eligible for participation. These criteria encompassed patients who had undergone sleeve or mini-bypass surgery and were aged between 18 and 65 years. The study gathered demographic data, pre and post-surgery changes in CBC inflammatory biomarkers [neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), MPV-to-platelet count ratio (MPV/PC), and red cell distribution width (RDW)] and fatty liver grades. Additionally, it recorded pre and post-surgery changes in body composition, such as weight, muscle mass (MM), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM).

Results

The pre-surgery RDW marker significantly associated with FM changes, highlighting its predictive nature. While no significant association was found between changes in patients' fatty liver grade and baseline marker values, it's worth noting that individuals with higher MM at 3 months achieved a fatty liver grade of zero. Also, at 6 months, higher FFM and MM were also associated with reaching a fatty liver grade of zero.

Conclusions

While the retrospective design of this study limits its findings to existing clinical data, future prospective research should collect additional samples, extend the observation time, and examine the long-term predictive value of these markers.

Predictive role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in metabolic syndrome: Meta-analysis of 70,937 individuals

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown to be an independent predictor for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases. The role of NLR in metabolic syndrome (MS) has also been explored albeit with conflicting results. The objective of this study was to assess the predictive role of NLR in MS.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate the predictive role of NLR in MS. Cochrane library, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched from their inception to December 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. The statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A randomeffect model was used.

RESULTS

Twenty six studies enrolling 70,937 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the individuals without MS, NLR value was significantly higher in the patients of MS (mean difference (MD) 0.40, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.27-0.52, P < 0.00001, I2 = 97%). The derived NLR value also was significantly higher in participants with MS than those without MS (MD 0.48, 95%CI: 0.13-0.84, P = 0.007, I2 = 96%). There was no statistically significant association for NLR between the patients with 4 metabolic risk factors (MRF) and those with 3 MRF, or between patients with 5 MRF and those with 4 MRF (MD 0.16, 95%CI: -0.02-0.35, P = 0.10, I2 = 84%; MD 0.12, 95%CI: -0.06-0.29, P = 0.20, I2 = 68%). However, MS patients with 5 MRF had a significantly higher mean NLR value than those with 3MRF (MD 0.37, 95%CI: 0.05-0.68, P = 0.02, I2 = 92%). Compared with the individuals with low NLR, incidence of MS was significantly higher in those with high NLR (OR 2.23, 95%CI: 1.25-3.98, P = 0.006, I2 = 97%).

CONCLUSION

The findings of our meta-analysis suggested that the value of NLR and derived NLR were higher in MS patients. MS patients with 5 MRF had a significantly higher mean NLR value. High NLR also demonstrated a significantly increased the incidence of MS. NLR may be a good predictive biomarker in MS.

Three-Month Excessive Body Weight Loss < 37.7% as a Predictor of Mid-term Suboptimal Outcomes Postlaparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Risk Factors and the Impact of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio on Adipocyte Function

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of achieving < 37.7% excess body-weight loss (EBWL) within 3 months of postlaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on clinical outcomes and its correlation with adipocyte function.

METHODS

Patients (n = 176) who underwent LSG between January 2019 and January 2023 were included. Weight loss and status of health markers were monitored postoperatively. The cohort was stratified based on EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months or not. Variables including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), insulin resistance, and comorbidities were analyzed. Omental visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were used to analyze the differences in adipocyte function by western blot.

RESULTS

Patients with EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months post-LSG (suboptimal group) comprised less likelihood of achieving ≥ 50% EBWL than those who achieved ≥ 37.7% EBWL (optimal group) at 6 months (42.55% vs. 95.52% in optimal group, p < 0.001), 12 months (85.11% vs. 99.25% in optimal group, p < 0.001) and 24 months (77.14% vs. 94.74% in optimal group, p = 0.009) post-LSG. High BMI (OR = 1.222, 95% CI 1.138-1.312, p < 0.001), NLR ≥ 2.36 (OR = 2.915, 95% CI 1.257-6.670, p = 0.013), and female sex (OR = 3.243, 95% CI 1.306-8.051, p = 0.011) significantly predicted EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months post-LSG. Patients with NLR ≥ 2.36 had significantly lower adipose triglyceride lipase in omental fat (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months post-LSG is a strong predictor of subsequent suboptimal weight loss. High BMI, NLR ≥ 2.36, and female sex are risk factors in predicting EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months post-LSG. These findings may offer a reference to apply adjuvant weight loss medications to patients who are predisposed to suboptimal outcomes.

Association of systemic inflammatory indices with anthropometric measures, metabolic factors, and liver function in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The present cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between systemic inflammatory indices (SIIs) and anthropometric measures, metabolic, and liver function biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was carried out on 238 NAFLD patients with overweight or obesity, aged 18-55 years. Anthropometric measurements were done and body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were estimated. Metabolic factors including serum glucose, lipid profile, liver function biomarkers, and complete blood cell count were assessed after a 24-h fasting state. SIIs including the ratios of neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR), monocytes to lymphocyte (MLR), platelet to lymphocyte (PLR), and monocytes to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MHR) were calculated. Results indicate that apart from PLR, all of the SIIs significantly changed by increasing steatosis severity (all p < 0.05). Moreover, changes in NLR showed a significant association with anthropometric indices including waist circumference (p = 0.032), BMI (p = 0.047), and WHtR (p = 0.002), as well as levels of fasting blood sugar (p = 0.045), triglycerides, (p = 0.025) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.006). The findings also indicate the relations between lipid profile and all studied SIIs, notably MHR and MLR. All of the SIIs exhibited associations with some liver function indices as well. MHR was positively correlated with the metabolic risk factors of NAFLD while, oppositely, PLR was considered as a preventive marker of NAFLD.

Ratios of Neutrophils and Platelets to Lymphocytes as Predictors of Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Admission and Length of Stay in Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Retrospective Study

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of the pre- and postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) admission and postoperative length of stay (LOS) in bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed 96 patients who underwent bariatric surgery at our institution. The NLR and PLR were calculated in the pre- and postoperative stages. Changes in pre- and postoperative hematological ratios were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The optimal cutoff values and area under the curve (AUC) for each ratio were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between each ratio and the postoperative LOS after adjusting for age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Results: The median age of our patients was 35.50 years, and 54.2% were male. The preoperative NLR showed a significant increase from 1.44 to 6.38 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The PLR increased from 107.08 preoperatively to 183.58 postoperatively, p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that the postoperative NLR was a moderate to high predictor of ICU admission (AUC = 0.700, optimal cutoff point = 5.987). The postoperative PLR had less predictive power for ICU admission (AUC = 0.641, optimal cutoff point = 170.950). Ratios that had a statistically significant relationship with the postoperative LOS were the preoperative NLR (standardized β [95% CI]: 0.296 [0.115-0.598]), postoperative NLR (0.311 [0.034-0.161]), and postoperative PLR (0.236 [0.000-0.005]). Conclusions: The NLR and PLR demonstrated an independent relationship with the postoperative LOS after bariatric surgery and the predictive ability of ICU admission. Both ratios might be useful as simple markers to predict patient outcome after surgery.

The involvement of circulating CD69+ CD56bright natural killer cells in weight loss before bariatric surgery: A retrospective cohort study

As the impact of the immune system on weight loss prior to bariatric surgery has never been proven, we elucidated the clinical utility of the immune system as an indicator of preoperative weight loss before bariatric surgery. We examined the relationships between preoperative weight loss and biochemical and clinical data at the initial visit in 34 obese patients. Patients were divided according to preoperative weight loss, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared using flowcytometry. The Δpreoperative excess weight loss [Δpre-EWL: pre-EWL (%)/period of preoperative weight loss (days)] showed negative correlations with total and subcutaneous fat area (P = .02, r = -0.41, P = .02, r = -0.42 respectively). The Δpre-EWL and Δpreoperative total weight loss (Δpre-TWL) were negatively correlated with white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at the initial visit (Δpre-EWL; P = .02, r = -0.37, P = .01, r = -0.41, P = .008, r = -0.45, Δpre-TWL; P = .01, r = -0.40, P = .01, r = -0.42, P = .01, r = -0.42, respectively). Multivariate regression modeling showed that both Δpre-EWL and Δpre-TWL were significantly associated with lymphocyte count (Δpre-EWL; P = .01, Δpre-TWL; P = .01). A comparison between the high (Δ pre-EWL > 0.098) and low weight loss group (Δ pre-EWL < 0.098) demonstrated a significant difference in the expression of the activation marker CD69 on CD56bright Natural killer (NK) cells (P = .01), whereas there was no difference in the frequency of T cells, Natural killer T cells, or NK cells. Additionally, high CRP levels were associated with CD69 expression in CD56bright NK cells (P = .01, R = 0.57). Peripheral lymphocytes, especially CD69-positive CD56bright NK cells, are involved in preoperative weight loss after bariatric surgery, and systemic inflammation may inhibit weight loss before surgery.

The serial changes of Neutrophile-Lymphocyte Ratio and correlation to weight loss after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Purpose

This study aims to identify the pre- and postoperative changes in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and its correlations to clinical characteristics in obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Method

Retrospectively, we included patients who has undergone LSG in our institution between January 2019 and April 2021. A total of 100 patients whose body mass index over 32.5 and received primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy without infectious condition were included.

Results

There was a significant decline in NLR (T0 vs. POM3 2.21 vs. 1.78, p = 0.005), neutrophil (T0 vs. POM3 5369 vs. 4050, p < 0.001) and lymphocyte count (T0 vs. POM3 2440: 2100, p < 0.001, respectively) at postoperative 3 months (POM3) compared to preoperative (T0) levels, but similar between POM3 and POM6. The declined counts (Neutrophile vs. Lymphocyte 1445.5/µl vs. 323.5/µl, p < 0.001) and percentage (Neutrophile vs. Lymphocyte 25.11% vs. 13.07%, p < 0.001) of neutrophile are higher than lymphocyte from T0 to POM3, but similar in POM3 and POM6. Preoperative NLR has a significant correlation with the preoperative body weight, preoperative insulin level, and excessive body weight loss (EBWL) at POM3. Preoperative NLR <2.36 had a sensitivity of 67.6% and a specificity of 62.5% in predicting successful weight loss (EBWL > 37.7%) at POM3 (AUC = 0.635, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

There was a significant decline in NLR, neutrophil, and lymphocyte count from T0 to POM3, but similar between POM3 and POM6. The declined counts and percentage of neutrophile are higher than lymphocyte. Preoperative NLR shows the potential to be used as a prognostic biomarker for predicting successful weight loss at POM3 after LSG. Further studies could be designed to evaluate the value of prediction in successful outcome after LSG and figure out the relationship between the changes of neutrophil function and oncogenesis.

Renal Function Following Bariatric Surgery: a Literature Review of Potential Mechanisms

Obesity is a major and independent risk factor for onset and progression of many renal diseases. Bariatric surgery (BS) improves renal function by improving obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, the procedure is also accompanied by renal risks, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and oxalate nephropathy. Here, we briefly review the history and principle of frequently applied technique for BS and summarize the comprehensive BS effect on kidney function. Importantly, we highlight the possible molecular mechanisms associated with the recovery of renal function to provide novel ideas for future studies and clinical applications.

Assessment of the clinical and laboratorial profile of patients with obesity and asymptomatic COVID-19 undergoing bariatric surgery in Brazil

Purpose

to outline the clinical and laboratorial profile of patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery who presented positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (Sars-CoV-2) in the preoperative period without symptoms presentation.

Methods

Case series of 17 patients undergoing bariatric surgery who presented positive RT-PCR for Sars-CoV-2 in the preoperative period, with no reported symptoms. Data collected included demographic characteristics, length of hospital stay, waiting time for surgery, inflammatory markers, serum levels of micronutrients and dengue virus (DENV) serology.

Results

In total, 219 patients underwent bariatric surgery in our institution during the study period. The incidence of asymptomatic cases was 7.7%. The sample comprised 88.2% of women, with mean age of 39.3 years and mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 37.7 kg/m2. Thirty five percent of the sample had previous diagnosis of diabetes and 29.4% had hypertension. The mean time elapsed between positive RT-PCR and the operation was 17 ± 7.5 days and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 1.9 ± 0.43 day. Mean lymphocytes count was 2,409.7/mm3 and the mean platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was 126.3. Mean C-reactive protein value was 5.8 mg/dL, while ferritin marked 107.4 µg/L. DENV IgG was identified in all patients who tested for it. Mean levels of vitamin D and zinc were 25.6 ng/mL and 79.9 µg/dL, respectively. There were no postoperative complications reported.

Conclusion

None of the included patients presented any of the laboratory markers related to disease severity. Moreover, it is important to notice that all patients who tested for DENV, had the specific IgG detected in their serum.

Graphical abstract

Diagnostic performance of novel inflammatory biomarkers based on ratios of laboratory indicators for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

INTRODUCTION

There is few effective biomarkers for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in clinical practice. This study was aimed to investigate the predictive ability of novel inflammatory biomarkers, including the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), for NAFLD.

METHODS

A total of 4465 outpatients diagnosed with NAFLD and 3683 healthy controls were enrolled between May 2016 and November 2021 from the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and anthropometric and laboratory examination data were collected. The two-sample Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the correlations between four inflammatory biomarkers and NAFLD. The areas under the curves (AUCs) of receiver operating characteristic were used to evaluate their predictive ability for NAFLD.

RESULTS

The MHR, NLR and LMR were higher in patients with NAFLD than in healthy controls (P<0.001), whereas the PLR was remarkably lower (P<0.001). The OR values of the MHR, NLR, PLR, and LMR were 1.599 (1.543-1.658), 1.250 (1.186-1.317), 0.987(0.986-0.988) and 1.111(1.083-1.139), respectively(P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, MHR was still the most relevant risk factor for NAFLD compared with other inflammatory markers (P<0.001). The AUCs of the MHR, NLR, PLR, and LMR were as follows: 0.663 (0.651-0.675), 0.524 (0.512-0.537), 0.329 (0.318-0.341), and 0.543 (0.530-0.555), respectively (P<0.001). Furthermore, the diagnostic model combining the MHR with alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and body mass index had the best AUC of 0.931 (0.925-0.936).

CONCLUSIONS

MHR was superior to NLR, PLR and LMR as an inflammatory biomarker in the prediction of NAFLD. When combined with relevant laboratory parameters, the MHR may improve the clinical noninvasive diagnosis of NAFLD.