Is monocyte to HDL ratio superior to monocyte count in predicting the cardiovascular outcomes: evidence from a large cohort of Chinese patients undergoing coronary angiography

Association of monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio and a composite risk score with left ventricular aneurysm formation in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is an important complication of acute myocardial infarction. This study aimed to investigate the potential predictive value of the monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and a composite risk score in determining the formation of LVA in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

We recruited 1005 consecutive patients with STEMI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted identify the independent risk factors for LVA formation. Predictive power of MHR and composite risk score for LVA formation were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

The MHR was significantly higher among patients with LVA compared to those without LVA [6.6 (3.8-10.8) vs. 4.6 (3.3-6.3), P  < 0.001]. Univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that MHR (OR = 3.866, 95% CI = 2.677-5.582, P  < 0.001) was associated with the risk of LVA formation. The predictive value of MHR remained significant even after multivariate logistic regression analysis [odds ratio (OR) = 4.801, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.672-8.629, P  < 0.001]. The discriminant power of MHR for LVA is 0.712, which is superior to both monocyte ( C statistic = 0.553) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( C statistic = 0.654). The composite risk score including MHR, gender, LVEF, hemoglobin, lymphocyte and left anterior descending artery as the culprit vessel could significantly increase the predictive ability ( C statistic = 0.920).

CONCLUSION

A higher MHR could effectively identify individuals at high risk of LVA formation, especially when combined with gender, LVEF, hemoglobin, lymphocyte and left anterior descending artery as the culprit vessel.

Diagnostic potential of TSH to HDL cholesterol ratio in vulnerable carotid plaque identification

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the thyroid-stimulating hormone to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (THR) in identifying specific vulnerable carotid artery plaques.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we included 76 patients with carotid plaques who met the criteria for admission to Zhejiang Hospital from July 2019 to June 2021. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) and the MRI-PlaqueView vascular plaque imaging diagnostic system were utilized to analyze carotid artery images for the identification of specific plaque components, including the lipid core (LC), fibrous cap (FC), and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and recording of the area percentage of LC and IPH, as well as the thickness of FC. Patients were categorized into stable plaque and vulnerable plaque groups based on diagnostic criteria for vulnerable plaques derived from imaging. Plaques were categorized based on meeting one of the following consensus criteria for vulnerability: lipid core area over 40% of total plaque area, fibrous cap thickness less than 65 um, or the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage. Plaques meeting the above criteria were designated as the LC-associated vulnerable plaque group, the IPH-associated group, and the FC-associated group. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the factors influencing carotid vulnerable plaques and specific vulnerable plaque components. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the predictive value of serological indices for vulnerable carotid plaques.

Results

We found that THR (OR = 1.976; 95% CI = 1.094-3.570; p = 0.024) and TSH (OR = 1.939, 95% CI = 1.122-3.350, p = 0.018) contributed to the formation of vulnerable carotid plaques. THR exhibited an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.704 (95% CI = 0.588-0.803) (p = 0.003), and the AUC for TSH was 0.681 (95% CI = 0.564-0.783) (p = 0.008). THR was identified as an independent predictor of LC-associated vulnerable plaques (OR = 2.117, 95% CI = 1.064-4.212, p = 0.033), yielding an AUC of 0.815. THR also demonstrated diagnostic efficacy for LC-associated vulnerable plaques.

Conclusion

This study substantiated that THR and TSH have predictive value for identifying vulnerable carotid plaques, with THR proving to be a more effective diagnostic indicator than TSH. THR also exhibited predictive value and specificity in the context of LC-associated vulnerable plaques. These findings suggest that THR may be a promising clinical indicator, outperforming TSH in detecting specific vulnerable carotid plaques.

Independent and joint associations of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio and body mass index with cardiorenal syndrome: insights from NHANES 2003-2020

BACKGROUND

With the development of pathophysiology, cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), a complex and severe disease, has received increasing attention. Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (MHR) and body mass index (BMI) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, but their association with CRS remains unexplored. This study aims to explore the independent and joint effects of MHR and BMI on CRS.

METHODS

We included 42,178 NHANES participants. The determination of CRS referred to the simultaneous presence of cardiovascular disease (identified through self-report) and chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m²). We employed multivariate weighted logistic regression to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the independent and joint associations of MHR and BMI with CRS. We also conducted restricted cubic spines to explore nonlinear associations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CRS was 3.45% among all participants. An increase in both MHR and BMI is associated with a higher risk of CRS (MHR: OR = 1.799, 95% CI = 1.520-2.129, P < 0.001, P-trend < 0.001; BMI: OR = 1.037, 95% CI = 1.023-1.051, P < 0.001). Individuals who simultaneously fall into the highest quartile of MHR and have a BMI of 30 or more face the highest risk of CRS compared to those in the lowest MHR quartile with a BMI of less than 25 (OR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.40-4.98, P < 0.001). However, there is no interactive association between MHR and BMI with CRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher MHR and BMI are associated with higher odds of CRS. MHR and BMI can serve as tools for early prevention and intervention of CRS, respectively.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio predicts poor outcomes in ischaemic heart failure patients combined with diabetes: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of ischaemic heart failure (HF) continues to increase. Diabetes mellitus (DM) concomitant with ischaemic HF increases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). As a promising predictor for cardiovascular diseases, the predictive value of the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) for MACE in the ischaemic HF with DM cohort has never been investigated before.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the MHR as a predictor for MACE in ischaemic HF patients with DM who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

This observational study enrolled 1049 patients with ischaemic HF and DM undergoing PCI from June 2017 to June 2019. The baseline data were collected. MACEs, including all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and any revascularization, were recorded within the 36-month follow-up. The characteristics and incidence of MACE were analysed in four groups stratified by the quartiles of MHR. The hazard ratio for MACE was analysed with Cox regression models. The incidence of MACE in the four groups was evaluated by Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis. Restricted cubic spline analysis was performed to determine the nonlinear correlation between the MHR and MACE.

RESULTS

After the 36-month follow-up, 407 patients (38.8%) experienced MACEs. The incidence of MACE was significantly higher among patients in the upper MHR quartile than among those in the lower MHR quartiles (23.4% vs. 36.0% vs. 41.4% and 54.6%; P < 0.001, respectively), which was consistent with the Kaplan‒Meier survival analyses (P < 0.0001). A multivariate Cox regression model showed that the MHR was an independent risk factor for MACE after variables were adjusted (adjusted HR: 2.11; 95% CI 1.47-3.03; P < 0.001). Its predictive effects on MACE showed no interaction with hypercholesterolemia (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The MHR was a significant and independent predictor of MACEs in ischaemic HF patients with DM undergoing PCI.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio is associated with mortality in patients with coronary artery diseases

BACKGROUND

Whether the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is associated with the prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is inconclusive.

METHODS

Patients with CAD were enrolled and their data were collected. Blood was sampled within 24 h after admission. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the MHR and all-cause mortality as well as complications during hospitalization.

RESULTS

We included 5371 patients in our cohort study. Among them, 114 (2.12%) patients died in hospital. MHR was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35, 2.42), cardiovascular mortality (1.69; 1.17, 2.45) and non-cardiovascular mortality (2.04; 1.27, 3.28). This association was only observed in patients with hypertension (P for interaction = 0.003). Patients with higher MHR levels also have a higher risk of complications, including infection, pneumonia, electrolyte disturbance, gastrointestinal bleeding, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and disturbance of consciousness. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the MHR had higher prognostic values than monocytes and high-density lipoprotein.

CONCLUSION

MHR was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and in-hospital complications in patients with CAD, especially in patients with hypertension.

Association between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and multi-vessel coronary artery disease: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MV-CAD) have poorer clinical outcomes than those with single-vessel coronary artery disease (SV-CAD). Solid evidence underlines that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays a protective role and monocyte plays a negative role in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has not been studied in relation to MV-CAD.

METHODS

In this study, 640 patients underwent coronary angiography, of whom 225 had severe coronary artery disease. Then divide the above two groups of patients into three groups based on the MHR tertiles, respectively. Logistic regression and subgroup analysis were carried out to estimate the association between MHR and MV-CAD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was constructed by combining classic CAD risk factors with MHR in response to MV-CAD. In addition, the mediating effect of MHR between smoking and MV-CAD in suspected CAD Patients was analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the three MHR groups, a statistically discrepant was observed in the number of patients with CAD, Severe-CAD and MV-CAD (PCAD < 0.001; PSevere-CAD < 0.001; PMV-CAD = 0.001) in suspected CAD patients. Furthermore, the number of patients with MV-CAD (P < 0.001) was different in Severe-CAD patients among three MHR groups. Non-CAD and CAD patients showed statistically discrepant in MHR levels (P < 0.001), and this difference also was observed between SV-CAD and MV-CAD patients (P < 0.001). In the analysis of suspected CAD patients, a significantly positive relationship was found between MHR and CAD, Severe-CAD, and MV-CAD (P for trend < 0.001). The effect of MHR on MV-CAD was consistent across all subgroups, with no significant randomized factor-by-subgroup interaction (P-interaction = 0.17-0.89). ROC analysis showed that the model constructed with MHR and classic influencing factors of CAD was superior to the model constructed solely based on classic influencing factors of CAD (0.742 vs.0.682, P = 0.002). In the analysis of Severe-CAD patients, patients with higher MHR levels had a higher risk of MV-CAD [OR (95%CI): 2.90 (1.49, 5.62), P for trend = 0.002] compared to patients with lower MHR. The trends persisted after adjusting for demographic (P for trend = 0.004) and classic influencing factors of CAD (P for trend = 0.009). All subgroup factors for patients with MV-CAD had no interaction with MHR (P-interaction = 0.15-0.86). ROC analysis showed that the model combining MHR and classic influencing factors of CAD was superior to the one including only the classic influencing factors of CAD (0.716 vs.0.650, P = 0.046). Assuming that MHR played a mediating effect between smoking and MV-CAD in suspected CAD patients. The results indicated that MHR played a partial mediating effect of 0.48 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A higher MHR was mainly associated with multi-vessel coronary artery disease and MHR partially mediated the association between smoking and MV-CAD.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio predicts clinical outcomes after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack

AIMS

The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) has emerged as a novel inflammatory biomarker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, it has not yet been identified whether MHR can predict the long-term prognosis of ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the associations of MHR levels with clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) at 3 months and 1 year.

METHODS

We derived data from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III). Enrolled patients were divided into four groups by quartiles of MHR. Multivariable Cox regression for all-cause death and stroke recurrence and logistic regression for the poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3-6) were used.

RESULTS

Among 13,865 enrolled patients, the median MHR was 0.39 (interquartile range, 0.27-0.53). After adjustment for conventional confounding factors, the MHR level in quartile 4 was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.90), and poor functional outcome (odd ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.22-1.76), but not with stroke recurrence (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.85-1.21) at 1 year follow-up, compared with MHR level in quartile 1. Similar results were observed for outcomes at 3 months. The addition of MHR to a basic model including conventional factors improved predictive ability for all-cause death and poor functional outcome validated by the C-statistic and net reclassification index (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated MHR can independently predict all-cause death and poor functional outcome in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA.

Can biomarkers predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome?

Background/Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by recurrent partial or total obstruction of the upper airway. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is more common in OSAS patients. Biomarkers can predict the progression of OSAS disease and the occurrence of CVD. Here we investigate the effects of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) and monocyte to HDL cholesterol (MHR) on the severity of OSAS and the occurrence of CVD in OSAS patients. Method: This cross-sectional study included 172 OSAS patients presenting to Erzincan Binali Yildirim University Mengucek Gazi Training and Research Hospital, Sleep Service between 01.01.2021 and 31.08.2022. Polysomnography (PSG) was applied to patients participating in the study, and routine complete blood and biochemistry tests were performed. Comorbidities and demographic data of the participants were recorded. Results: The frequency of CVD, chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) and hyperlipidemia increased as the severity of OSAS increased (P=0.005, P<0.001, P=0.016, respectively). As the severity of OSAS disease increased, only the MHR indices increased (P=0.009). When OSAS groups with and without CVD were examined, OSAS patients with CVD were older and had higher BMI (P<0.001, P=0.001, respectively). In addition, tended to be females with hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM) and high Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores (all P<0.001). When the polysomnography of OSAS patients with CVD was evaluated, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), non-rapid eye movement (NREM)-AHI (NREM-AHI), respiratory disorder index (RDI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) values were higher and sleep efficiency (SE) values were lower than patients with OSAS without CVD (P=0.002, P=0.002, P=0.003, P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: CVD is common in OSAS patients. As the severity of OSAS increases, the risk of developing CVD increases. Elderly female OSAS patients with hyperlipidemic, DM, high BMI, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) constitute a relatively risky group for CVD. OSAS patients with high AHI, NREM-AHI, RDI, ODI, and low SE values should be monitored more closely for CVD.

Inflammation in coronary artery disease-clinical implications of novel HDL-cholesterol-related inflammatory parameters as predictors

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Inflammation and atherosclerotic plaques are the primary pathological mechanisms of CAD. Upon stimulation by deposited lipids and damaged endothelium, innate and adaptive immune cells are activated and recruited to initiate plaque development. Therefore, inflammatory cells and mediators are used to identify inflammatory risk in CAD patients. HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) is demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory roles in atherosclerosis by interfering with plasma membrane lipid rafts of immune cells. Based on this, novel inflammatory parameters such as monocyte to HDL-C ratio are explored to improve the risk estimation of CAD prognosis. Moreover, with the advance in treatment strategies targeting the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis, identifying CAD patients with increased inflammatory risk by novel inflammatory parameters is of great importance in guiding CAD management. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current information regarding inflammatory activation and HDL-C in atherosclerosis with a particular focus on the clinical implication of the novel HDL-C-related inflammatory parameters in CAD.

Continuous Positive Linear Association between the Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension poses a major threat to human health, and inflammation is associated with hypertension. The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) represents a new inflammatory indicator. However, the relationship between the MHR and hypertension remains unclear. The present study investigated the association of MHR with hypertension.

METHOD

For this cross-sectional study, we continuously collected data from the Physical Examination Centre of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University (N = 6632). The data included patients' demographic information and clinical information including blood pressure, blood biochemical measurements, and MHR. The relationship between the MHR and hypertension was examined using different methods in univariate and multivariate logistic analysis, smooth function analysis, the threshold saturation effect analysis and subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that MHR was positively associated with hypertension without adjustment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.12, P < 0.001). The positive association still existed in minimally and fully adjusted models (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06-1.10, P < 0.001; OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10, P < 0.001). Smooth function analysis of a generalized additive model revealed a continuous positive linear association between the MHR and hypertension throughout all MHR data (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10, P < 0.001). Subgroups analysis showed the homogeneity of the positive association among different subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

A continuous positive linear association was found between the MHR and hypertension in a health examination population.

The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is a risk factor for frequent premature ventricular complexes: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the link between the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). This investigation aimed to evaluate the link between the MHR and frequent PVCs in patients, as well as their outcomes, using the axis, burden, coupling interval-ventricular tachycardia (ABC-VT) risk score (ARS).

METHODS

Two hundred patients with frequent PVCs and 70 controls were retrospectively enrolled, and their general data were gathered. The MHR and ARS were calculated. Then, patients developing frequent PVCs were classified into a medium-/high-risk subgroup and a low-risk subgroup according to ARS. The results were evaluated employing comparative statistical analyses, Spearman's correlation, logistic regression analyses, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

The MHR in the controls was obviously lower than that in the frequent PVC group. In addition, the MHR was the lowest in the control group and highest in the medium-/high-risk subgroup, with that of the low-risk subgroup falling in the middle. Spearman's correlation analyses showed that the MHR was positively correlated with the ARS (ρ = 0.307, P < 0.001). Ultimately, the MHR was found to be a risk factor for frequent PVCs in the multivariate analysis. In addition, an MHR cutoff point of 254.6 featured 67.50% sensitivity and 67.14% specificity for predicting frequent PVCs, and the area under the curve (AUC) reached 0.694 (95% confidence interval: 0.623-0.766) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The MHR is positively and independently correlated with frequent PVCs and can be used as a practical, cost-saving and simple biomarker of inflammation owing to its value in predicting frequent PVCs. In addition, the MHR is crucial to risk stratification and prognosis, which may give it clinical value in the prevention and management of frequent PVCs.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A1 ratios are associated with bone homeostasis imbalance caused by chronic inflammation in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: Emerging evidences demonstrated that chronic inflammation can influence bone metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), leading to bone homeostasis imbalance. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations between novel pro-inflammatory indexes like monocyte to high-density lipoprotein (MHR), apolipoprotein A1 (MAR) ratios and bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers in Chinese postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Method: In this study, a total of 619 participants with complete data were included in the final analysis. Demographic and anthropometric information was collected. Biochemical parameters and bone turnover markers were determined by standard methods. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Correlation analysis and regression models were conducted to assess the associations between MHR, MAR and bone turnover markers, BMD. Multiple binomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the independent variables of MHR and MAR for osteoporosis.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 38.3%. MHR and MAR were significantly correlated with C-terminal cross linking of type I collagen (β-CTX), L1-L4, femoral neck BMD and T scores. These correlations remained significant after adjustment for other confounding factors. Meanwhile, MHR and MAR were also significantly associated with higher odds of osteoporosis, the odds ratios (ORs) (95%CI) were 1.88 (1.49–2.38) and 2.30 (1.72–3.09) respectively. Furthermore, MHR and MAR seemed to have a good identifying value for osteoporosis. The area under the curve of MHR and MAR identifying osteoporosis were 0.791 (95% CI: 0.753–0.828) and 0.843 (95% CI: 0.809–0.877) respectively (p &lt; 0.001). The optimal cut-off values of MHR and MAR were 4.53 × 108/mmol (sensitivity: 60.8%, specificity: 85.9%) and 4.74 × 108/g (sensitivity: 71.7%, specificity: 89.3%) respectively.

Conclusion: MHR and MAR were significantly associated with osteoporosis. These two novel pro-inflammatory indexes may be ideal markers to reflect bone homeostasis imbalance caused by chronic inflammation in Chinese postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio predict long-term clinical outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease: A meta-analysis of 9 studies

BACKGROUND

A novel inflammation-related biomarker, the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), had a great relation to the development and prognosis of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Current study was to investigate whether the MHR was a potential tool in predicting the mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients suffering coronary heart disease (CHD) by meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of science were searched for relevant cohort studies published prior to February 10, 2022. The association between MHR and mortality/MACEs was analyzed in patients with CHD. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the strength of association.

RESULTS

In the meta-analysis, a total of 9 studies of 11,345 patients with CHD were included. Compared with the low level of MHR group, the high MHR value was associated with higher long-term MACEs (HR = 1.72 95% CI 1.36-2.18, P < .001), long-term mortality (HR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.66, P = .017), and in-hospital mortality/MACEs (HR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.07-7.41, P = .036).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that increased MHR value might be associated with higher long-term mortality and long-term MACEs in CHD patients. MHR might serve as a potential prognostic indicator for risk stratification in patients with CHD.

Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio Predicts the Prognosis of Large Artery Atherosclerosis Ischemic Stroke

Objective: Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio is considered as a new inflammatory marker and has been used to predict the severity of coronary heart disease and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events (ACEs). However, there is a lack of data relative to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) ischemic stroke. We investigated whether the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) is related to the 3-month functional prognosis of LAA ischemic stroke.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 316 LAA ischemic stroke patients. The 3-month functional outcome was divided into good and poor according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between MHR and prognosis of ischemic stroke.

Results: The MHR level of poor functional outcome group was higher than that of the good functional outcome group [0.44 (0.3, 0.55) vs. 0.38 (0.27, 0.5), P = 0.025]. Logistic stepwise multiple regression revealed that MHR [odds ratio (OR) 9.464, 95%CI 2.257–39.678, P = 0.002] was an independent risk factor for the 3-month poor outcome of LAA ischemic stroke. Compared to the lower MHR tertile, the upper MHR tertile had a 3.03-fold increase (95% CI 1.475–6.225, P = 0.003) in the odds of poor functional outcome after adjustment for potential confounders. Moreover, a multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline (RCS) showed a positive close to a linear pattern of this association.

Conclusion: Elevated MHR was independently associated with an increased risk of poor 3-month functional outcome of patients with LAA ischemic stroke.

Association between Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese population.

METHODS

We enrolled 14189 individuals who attended their annual health examinations in the study. We performed the anthropometric and laboratory measurements and diagnosed NAFLD by hepatic ultrasonography without evidence of other etiologies of chronic liver disease. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-squared (χ 2) test was used to compare the differences of clinical characteristics between participants with or without NAFLD. Pearson's and Spearman's analyses were performed to assess the correlation of MHR and NAFLD risk factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore whether MHR associated with NAFLD.

RESULTS

Thirty-five percent of the participants enrolled were diagnosed with NAFLD. Compared with healthy controls, NAFLD patients were male predominant, older, and had higher body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, and serum uric acid, but lower levels of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Besides, MHR was significantly higher in NAFLD patients than healthy controls [5.35 (4.18-6.84) versus 4.53 (3.48-5.93), P < 0.001]. MHR quartiles were positively related to the prevalence of NAFLD (P < 0.001 for trend). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MHR was positively associated with the risk of NAFLD after adjusting age, gender, body mass index, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, and serum uric acid (OR: 1.026, 95% CI: 1.002-1.052; P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

MHR is significantly and positively associated with the risk of NAFLD.

Relationships between monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and cardiovascular outcomes in patients commencing dialysis

Objective

High monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) complications. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between MHR and CV outcomes in patients commencing dialysis.

Methods

The medical records of patients who started maintenance dialysis between January 2006 and July 2017 were reviewed. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and overall CV mortality and the secondary outcomes were CV event-free survival and the incidence of CV complications.

Results

Five hundred ninety-seven patients were enrolled and allocated to low- or high-MHR groups. All-cause mortality did not differ between the groups during a mean follow-up period of 3.9 years. In addition, overall CV mortality did not differ between the groups. However, CV event-free survival was significantly lower in the high-MHR group than in the low-MHR group (47.5% vs. 59.0%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high MHR was an independent predictor of CV events (HR 1.886, 95% CI 1.015–3.505).

Conclusion

High MHR at the time of initiation of dialysis may represent a useful predictor of CV complications.

Association of the Monocyte-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio With Diabetic Retinopathy

Background: Chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an essential contributor to the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The monocyte–to–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) is a novel and simple measure related to inflammatory and oxidative stress status. However, little is known regarding the role of the MHR in evaluating the development of DR.

Methods: A total of 771 patients with T2DM and 607 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. MHR determination and eye examination were performed. The association of MHR with the prevalence of DR in T2DM patients was analyzed.

Results: The MHR in patients with DR was significantly higher than that in both non-DR diabetic patients (P < 0.05) and healthy controls (P < 0.01). No significance was observed in the MHR of different DR severity grades. Moreover, the MHR was similar between patients with non-macular oedema and those with macular oedema. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MHR was independently associated with the prevalence of DR in diabetic patients [odds ratio (OR) = 1.438, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.249–1.655, P < 0.01]. After additional stratification by HbA1c level and diabetic duration, the MHR was still independently associated with the prevalence of DR.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that the MHR can be used as a marker to indicate the prevalence of DR in patients with T2DM.

Impact of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio on the identification of prevalent coronary heart disease: insights from a general population

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have identified monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) as a simple, practical surrogate of atherosclerosis. Considering atherosclerosis is a major mechanism of coronary heart disease (CHD). The present study aims to evaluate the association between MHR and the prevalence of CHD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The present cross-sectional work included 6442 participants (mean age: 59.57 years, 60.2% females), all of them were included from rural areas of northern China between October 2019 to April 2020. MHR was acquired as monocytes count divided by high-density lipoprotein concentration. Prevalent CHD researched 3.14%. After adjustment of sex, age, current drinking and smoking, BMI, WC, diabetes, hypertension, LDL-C, TG, eGFR, lipid-lowering therapy and cerebrovascular disease history, each standard deviation increase of MHR cast a 39.5% additional CHD risk. Furthermore, the top quartile of MHR had an additional 89.0% CHD risk than the bottom quartile. Besides, smooth curve fitting revealed a linear pattern of the association. Additionally, the stratified evaluation showed a robust correlation among the subgroups divided by CHD risk factors. Finally, area under the curve demonstrated an advancement when including MHR into common CHD risk factors (0.744 vs 0.761, p < 0.001). Consistently, reclassification analysis indicated the improvement from MHR (all P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Our work suggests the robust and linear relationship between MHR and the prevalent CHD in a general population, providing epidemiological evidence for laboratory studies. More importantly, the findings implicate the efficacy of MHR to be a potential indicator to identify the prevalent CHD.

Genomic and Proteomic Study of the Inflammatory Pathway in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiometabolic Syndrome

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) have been linked to inflammation and fibrosis. However, it is still unknown which inflammatory cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of AF. Furthermore, cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance/glucose intolerance are also associated with inflammation and increased level of cytokines and adipokines. We hypothesized that the inflammatory immune response is exacerbated in patients with both AF and CMS compared to either AF or CMS alone. We investigated inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic markers as well as cytokine genetic profiles in patients with lone AF and CMS. CMS, lone AF patients, patients with both lone AF and CMS, and control patients were recruited. Genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory and fibrotic markers were assessed. Serum levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were tested along with other inflammatory markers including platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-HDL ratio (MHR) in three groups of AF+CMS, AF, and CMS patients. There was a trend in the CTGF levels for statistical significance between the AF and AF+CMS group (P = 0.084). Genotyping showed high percentages of patients in all groups with high secretor genotypes of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P = 0.037). Genotyping of IFN-γ and IL-10 at high level showed an increase in expression in the AF + CMS group compared to AF and CMS alone suggesting an imbalance between the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines which is exacerbated by AF. Serum cytokine inflammatory cytokine levels showed that IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17F, and IL-22 were significant between the AF, AF+CMS, and CMS patients. Combination of both CMS and AF may be associated with a higher degree of inflammation than what is seen in either CMS or AF alone. Thus, the identification of a biomarker capable of identifying metabolic syndrome associated with disease will help in identification of a therapeutic target in treating this devastating disease.

Diagnostic value of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio in acute aortic dissection in a Chinese han population

Background: Recently, considerable evidence pointed out monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is highly related to inflammatory related diseases. We aim to explore the level of MHR in acute aortic dissection (AAD) patients and determine whether MHR can be a novel diagnostic marker of AAD. Research design and methods: A total of 228 subjects including 128 AAD patients and 110 healthy control were enrolled. MHR levels and other serum samples were obtained at admission. Results: The baseline MHR levels were significantly higher in patients with AAD (p < 0.0001). A cutoff value of MHR >0.37 was associated with a sensitivity of 86.70% and a specificity of 93.60% for AAD. MHR levels were positively correlated with the time from symptom onset (R² = 0.0318, p = 0.0003). Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) was increased to 0.979 in patients whose time from onset of symptoms >24 h, with a sensitivity of 98.04% and a specificity of 93.64%. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that MHR levels, history of hypertension, and coronary artery disease (CHD) emerged as independent predictors of AAD. Expert Opinion: MHR has a high diagnostic value in AAD patients, especially in those whose time from onset of symptoms >24 h.

Assessment of the hemogram parameters in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Inflammation has been suggested as a potential mechanism in the pathogenesis of arrhythmia. Hemogram parameters such as monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) have been considered to be markers of inflammation and new cardiovascular risk predictors. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between MHR, NLR, and MLR in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

METHODS

A retrospective study conducted at a university hospital in Bolu, Turkey, between 2017 and 2019. Our study included 196 patients who underwent electrophysiological study (EPS) due to palpitation or documented PSVT on electrocardiography (ECG). Patients having documented atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) on ECG or inducible AVNRT on EPS were included in the PSVT group (n=130), and patients with palpitation but without inducible arrhythmia on EPS (n=66) were included in the control group. Routine biochemical and hemogram tests were performed before the EPS procedure.

RESULTS

When hemogram parameters were compared, there was no statistically significant difference in MHR values [0.010 (0.001-0.030) vs 0.010 (0.001-0.020) p =0.67]. Additionally, both NLR [2.21(0.74-11.36) vs 1.98(0.72-24.87) p=0.13] and MLR [0.25 (0.03-1.05) vs 0.24(0.07-1.39) p=0.41] were not statistically significant between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant difference in PSVT patients regarding hemogram parameters including white blood cell subtypes, MLR, NLR, and MHR. Therefore the evaluation of hemogram parameters may not be clinically relevant for PSVT patients.

The Monocyte/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (MHR) as an Indicator of the Need for Amputation in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease Developing Critical Limb Ischemia

The monocyte/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) reflects the proatherogenic and antiatherogenic balance, and a high ratio is associated with the severity of atherosclerosis. We measured the MHR of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to peripheral artery disease (PAD) requiring amputation. Patients diagnosed with PAD were divided into 2 groups; those who underwent an amputation due to CLI without any sign of infection and those treated with surgical or percutaneous revascularization or followed up medically. A healthy control group was also included. In patients diagnosed with PAD (n = 563), the MHR value was higher for the control group (n = 200), (12.4 ± 0.42 vs 11.5 ± 0.28, P < .001). In the amputation group, the MHR was significantly higher for the group treated by other methods (15.7 ± 1.52 vs 12.8 ± 1.45, P < .001). Possible confounding factors affecting the MHR value were determined by the univariate regression analysis, and the multiple regression analysis revealed that MHR was an independent predictor of amputation in patients with PAD (P < .001). This study suggests that the MHR may be the predictor of amputation risk in patients with PAD and CLI.

The Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in the Prediction for Atherosclerosis: A Retrospective Study in Adult Chinese Participants

The ratio of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (MHR) was a newly proposed inflammatory and oxidative stress marker. This study aimed to explore the association between MHR and Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (Ba-PWV) in adult Chinese participants. A total of 2029 participants were divided into two groups according to the Ba-PWV: a high Ba-PWV group (Ba-PWV ≥1400 cm/s) and a low Ba-PWV group (Ba-PWV < 1400 cm/s). According to the cut-off points of quartile of MHR, the participants were divided into four groups. The relationship between MHR and Ba-PWV was analyzed. After adjusting for potential confounders, a non-linear relationship between MHR and Ba-PWV was found in the participants, and the inflection point was 7.78 in the non-linear curve. On the left of the inflection point, MHR had a positive correlation with Ba-PWV (OR = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 1.28, p < 0.01). However, there was no obvious relationship between MHR and Ba-PWV on the right of the inflection point (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.01, p = 0.117). Further demographic analysis demonstrated that the positive relationship between MHR and Ba-PWV was found in the female participants with hypertension family history, but without a current history of hypertension, smoking, or drinking (p < 0.05). An increased MHR is a risk factor of atherosclerosis, which may predict the potential development of atherosclerosis. When the MHR is close to 7.78, it has the highest predictive value for the risk of atherosclerosis occurrence.

Increased monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio in vitamin B12 deficiency: Is it related to cardiometabolic risk?

Vitamin B12 deficiency may have indirect cardiovascular effects in addition to hematological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It was shown that the monocyte count-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) is a novel cardiovascular marker. In this study, the aim was to evaluate whether MHR was high in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and its relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors. The study included 128 patients diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and 93 healthy controls. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), MHR, C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid levels compared with the controls (median 139 vs 115 mmHg, p < 0.001; 80 vs 70 mmHg, p < 0.001; 14.2 vs 9.5, p < 0.001; 10.2 vs 4 mg/dl p < 0.001; 6.68 vs 4.8 mg/dl, p < 0.001 respectively). The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy was higher in vitamin B12 deficiency group (43.8%) than the control group (8.6%) (p < 0.001). In vitamin B12 deficiency group, a positive correlation was detected between MHR and SBP, CRP and uric acid (p < 0.001 r:0.34, p < 0.001 r:0.30, p < 0.001 r:0.5, respectively) and a significant negative correlation was detected between MHR and T-CHOL, LDL, HDL and B12 (p < 0.001 r: -0.39, p < 0.001 r: -0.34, p < 0.001 r: -0.57, p < 0.04 r: -0.17, respectively). MHR was high in vitamin B12 deficiency group, and correlated with the cardiometabolic risk factors in this group, which were SBP, CRP, uric acid and HDL. In conclusion, MRH, which can be easily calculated in clinical practice, can be a useful marker to assess cardiovascular risk in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio has a superior prognostic value in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction: a comparison study

Background

The importance of the lipid-related biomarkers has been implicated in the pathological process and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our work was conducted to discuss and compare the predictive ability of the neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (NHR) with other existing prognostic indices, for instance, the monocyte to HDL-C ratio (MHR) and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to HDL-C ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C) in elderly patients with AMI.

Methods

Our population was 528 consecutive elderly AMI patients (65–85 years) who were enrolled from Tongji Hospital and grouped according to the cutoff points which were depicted by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted with the survival data from the follow-up to investigate the difference between cutoff point-determined groups. Moreover, we assessed the impact of NHR, MHR, LDL-C/HDL-C on the long-term mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction (RMI) with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Mean duration of follow-up was 673.85 ± 14.32 days (median 679.50 days). According to ROC curve analysis, NHR ≥ 5.74, MHR ≥ 0.67, LDL-C/HDL-C ≥ 3.57 were regarded as high-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis resulted that the high-NHR, high-MHR and high-LDL-C/HDL-C groups presented higher mortality and RMI rate than the corresponding low-risk groups in predicting the long-term clinical outcomes (log-rank test: all P < 0.050). In multivariate analysis, compared with MHR and LDL-C/HDL-C, only NHR was still recognized as a latent predictor for long-term mortality (harzard ratio [HR]: 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 3.75, P = 0.044) and long-term RMI (HR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.04 to 4.79, P = 0.040). Furthermore, the positive correlation between NHR and Gensini score (r = 0.15, P < 0.001) indicated that NHR was relevant to the severity of coronary artery to some extent.

Conclusions

NHR, a novel laboratory marker, might be a predictor of the long-term clinical outcomes of elderly patients with AMI, which was superior to MHR and LDL-C/HDL-C.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as long-term prognostic marker in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The relation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. The present study aims to assess the prognostic value of MHR in patients with CAD who underwent PCI.

Methods

A total of 673 CAD patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into four groups according to MHR values. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to study the effects of different variables to clinical outcomes reported as major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality (ACM).

Results

In a multivariate Cox analysis, after adjustment of other confounders, MHR was found to be an independent predictor of ACM (HR: 3.655; 95% CI: 1.170–11.419, P = 0.026) and MACE (HR =2.390, 95% CI 1.379–4.143, p < 0.002). Having a MHR in the third and fourth quartile were associated with a 2.83-fold and 3.26 -flod increased risk of MACE.

Conclusions

MHR is an independent predictor of ACM and MACE in CAD patients undergoing PCI.

Relationship between monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio and concomitant cardiovascular disease in Chinese Han patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is attributed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) induced inflammation. As a new inflammatory biomarker of CVD, monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) has received little attention in OSA studies to date. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the correlation between MHR and concomitant CVD in Chinese Han patients with OSA.

Methods

A total of 657 Chinese Han subjects (169 controls, 145 mild, 94 moderate, and 249 severe OSA) of both genders were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, with an average BMI of 32.35±6.56 kg/m². The relationship between MHR and concomitant CVD in OSA patients was analyzed.

Results

The level of MHR was correlated positively with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), while negatively with lowest SpO₂ (P<0.01). Moreover, the MHR values were higher in OSA patients with CVD than those without CVD (17.64±7.16 vs. 12.73±5.06, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MHR is an independent predictor of CVD (OR =1.190, P<0.001). The ROC analysis indicated that the best cut-off value of MHR for predicting CVD in OSA patients was 15.364 (sensitivity 65.0%, specificity 74.4%), while its cutoff value for identifying CVD in severe OSA patients was 15.362 (sensitivity 67.3%, specificity 80.1%).

Conclusions

MHR is strongly correlated with the severity of OSA and the occurrence of CVD in OSA patients. As an easy and available test, MHR is expected to be a promising biomarker candidate in predicting CVD in Chinese Han patients with OSA.

Evaluation of complete blood count parameters in cardiovascular diseases: An early indicator of prognosis?

BACKGROUND

Studies have been conducted to evaluate the correlation between complete blood count (CBC) indices and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Considering the dispersion of these studies as well as reports on prognostic value of CBC parameters in CVDs, we have summarized these findings as a review article for the first time.

METHODS

Relevant English language literature was searched and retrieved from Google Scholar search engine and PubMed database (1996-2018). We used "Complete blood count", "Cardiovascular disease", "Red cell distribution width", and "Mean platelet volume" as keywords.

RESULTS

Numerous studies indicated that red cell distribution width (RDW) is an independent prognostic biomarker in relation to CVD diseases. MPV is another considerable prognostic biomarker for CVDs. Elevations of inflammatory markers such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in CVD patients (especially in myocardial infarction and heart failure) can be considered as a factor of poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

RDW can be used as a valuable independent biomarker to investigate the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF), atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction (MI), and other CVDs. Rapid and stable increase in MPV makes it a reliable prognostic/diagnostic parameter in CVDs such as MI and unstable angina. Among different inflammatory markers the evaluation of total white blood cell count, NLR, monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) may have a high value in predicting the prognosis of different CVDs including MI, HF and atherosclerosis in patients.

Comparison of statin plus ezetimibe with double-dose statin on lipid profiles and inflammation markers

Background

Achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal is the most important for the patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) who received lipid-lowering therapy. It is unclear that whether combination of ezetimibe with statin is superior to double-dose of statin regarding both of the lipid-lowering efficacy and improvement of inflammation in Chinese patients with ASCVD. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the effects of these two regimes on lipid profiles and inflammation markers.

Methods

In this randomized control study, ninety eight patients with ASCVD, who were naïve to statins or other lipid-lowering agents, were enrolled into the study, and randomly assigned into two groups, A40 group (atorvastatin 40 mg/d, n = 50), A20E10 group (atorvastatin 20 mg/d combined with ezetimibe 10 mg/d, n = 48).The patients were followed up at week 4 and week 12 after treatment. The lipid profiles and oxidative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ox-LDL) were measured at the end of study.

Results

There were no differences in clinical characteristics including lipid, ox-LDL and hypersensitive C reactive protein (Hs-CRP) among groups at baseline. However, the average level of LDL-C was lower in group A20E10 than that in group A40 significantly (1.59 ± 0.44 mmol/L vs 1.99 ± 0.56 mmol/L, p = 0.001) during follow-up at week 12 after treatment. Importantly, the higher rate of achievement of LDL-C goal was attained at group of combination statin with ezetimibe (79.2% in group A20E10 vs 50.0% in group A40, p = 0.016). The difference of the level of ox-LDL between both the groups after 12 weeks treatment had not statistical significance (3.63 ± 1.13 U/L in group A20E10 vs 4.14 ± 1.32 U/L in group A40, p = 0.077).Similarly, the level of Hs-CRP between both the groups after treatment was not significantly different (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

In this randomized study, the data showed that a combination of moderate statin and ezetimibe achieved more reduction of LDL-C compared to the double-dose statin but similar impact on inflammation markers.

Monocyte-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio as a prognostic marker in cardiovascular diseases

Inflammation and lipid accumulation are two basic hallmarks of atherosclerosis as a chronic disease. Inflammation not only is a local response but can also be considered as a systemic process followed by an elevation of inflammatory mediators. Monocytes are a major source of proinflammatory species during atherogenesis. In atherosclerosis, modified low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are removed by macrophages; these are recruited in the vessel wall, inducing the release of inflammatory cytokines in inflamed tissue. Hence, inflammatory cholesterol ester-loaded plaque is generated. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) exhibits antiatherosclerotic effects by neutralizing the proinflammatory and pro-oxidant effects of monocytes via inhibiting the migration of macrophages and LDL oxidation in addition to the efflux of cholesterol from these cells. Furthermore, HDL plays a role in suppressing the activation of monocytes and proliferation-differentiation of monocyte progenitor cells. Thus, accumulation of monocytes and reduction of HDL-C may participate in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Given that the relationship between the high number of monocytes and low HDL-C levels has been reported in inflammatory disorders, this review focused on understanding whether the monocyte-to-HDL ratio could be a convenient marker to predict atherosclerosis development and progression, hallmarks of CV events, instead of the individual monocyte count or HDL-C level.

Artery compliance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a case-control study

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study is to evaluate differences in large artery compliance (C1) and small artery compliance (C2) between RA and controls and evaluating factors associated with reduced compliance in the RA population. The profiling of large and small arterial compliance was analyzed in 185 RA patients and 88 healthy controls using Cardiovascular Profiling Instrument. The correlations of arterial compliance and the relevant clinical data were determined in these subjects. Then correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed to find whether rheumatoid arthritis patients have more risk factors than healthy controls in artery compliance and to explore the possible element involved in RA patients including traditional cardiovascular risk factors, RA disease-related factors, and the therapy. Compared with healthy controls, levels of C1 and C2 were significantly decreased in RA patients. Having adjusted the traditional risk factors associated with atherosclerosis, C1 and C2 decline was still a significant indicator in RA patients [odds ratio = 7.411(95%CI 3.275, 16.771) and 10.184(95%CI 4.546, 22.817)]. Using multi-factor regression analysis to adjust traditional risk factors for arterial compliance, we found that the levels of ESR was correlated with the abnormal large artery compliance [odds ratio = 1.021(95%CI 1.007, 1.035)]. The HAQ values and the current usage of leflunomide were correlated with the abnormal small artery compliance in RA patients [odds ratio = 1.161(95%CI 1.046, 1.289) and 6.170(95%CI 1.510, 25.215)]. The values of C1 and C2 are indicators of artery compliance in RA patients. ESR, HAQ values, and the usage of leflunomide might be possible risk factors of artery compliance. The evaluation of artery compliance could be an easy and reliable test that could help us to screen and predict cardiovascular disorders in RA patients.

Cadmium Exposure Is Associated with Monocyte Count and Monocyte to HDL Ratio, a Marker of Inflammation and Future Cardiovascular Disease in the Male Population

Cadmium is a heavy metal that humans can be exposed to the in environment and occupation, and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases has been reported. in various reports. Epidemiological studies have also been associated with various inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we examined the relationship between monocyte count and monocyte to high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) and blood cadmium, which are one of the inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases. Data from a total of 733 male fire officers who received a health checkup at a hospital for one year in 2016 were analyzed. Populations were classified into 4 groups according to the quartile of blood cadmium and general characteristics were described. The relationship between monocyte count, MHR and cadmium in blood was statistically analyzed by linear regression analysis. In the univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, monocyte count was significantly higher in the second, third and fourth quartile groups than in the first quartile of cadmium, and the linear trend was significant. In univariate and multivariate analysis, MHR was significantly higher in the third and fourth quartile groups than in the first quartile group, and the linear trend was also significant. This study showed the significant relationship between blood cadmium and monocyte count and MHR among male fire officers. This was also statistically significant in the model adjusted for possible confounders and other cardiovascular risk factors and showed a linear trend.

Monocyte Count/HDL Cholesterol Ratio and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is increasingly being implicated in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, no study has attempted to determine the role of MHR in cardiovascular morbidity of patients with OSAS. We aimed to investigate the association between MHR and CVD in patients with OSAS and the relationship between severity of OSAS, polysomnographic parameters, and MHR.

METHODS

In this cohort study, patients who had undergone a full-night polysomnography for the diagnosis of OSAS were recruited. Included patients were grouped according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as mild (5-15), moderate (15-30), and severe (>30) OSAS. Patients with AHI < 5 served as the control group. The presence of heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmia was defined as CVD.

RESULTS

A total of 1050 patients were included (131 controls, 222 mild, 228 moderate, and 469 severe OSAS). The severe group had higher MHR compared with the control and other OSAS groups (9.99, 12.11, 13.65, and 20.67 in control, mild, moderate, and severe OSAS groups, respectively, P < .001). The MHRs were significantly correlated with AHI, oxygen desaturation index, and minimum O₂ saturation values ( P < .001). Values of MHR were significantly higher in patients with CVD compared with those without ( P < .001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that MHR is an independent predictor of CVD.

CONCLUSION

The MHR is strongly associated with CVD and the severity of OSAS and might be used as a biomarker to predict CVD in patients with OSAS.