Investigation of systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein ratio, lymphocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio, and monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio as indicators of inflammation in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Methamphetamine Use Disorder and Inflammation: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a global health condition that impairs a person's health which may result in morbidity and mortality. Inflammation is a crucial process playing a vital role in MUD. For this reason, it is necessary to examine biochemical parameters for follow-up and treatment alternatives.

METHODS

We aimed to reveal the relationship between inflammatory response and MUD by evaluating peripheral hemogram parameters, leukocyte count, subtypes, and their ratios to each other, systemic immune inflammation index (SII), monocyte/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, and human C-reactive protein (CRP) in adult men with MUD. We included 76 adult male participants in the patient group and 70 adult male participants in the control group. We calculated the neutrophil/lymphocyte rate (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte rate (MLR), platelet/lymphocyte rate (PLR), and basophil/lymphocyte rate (BLR). In addition, we obtained the SII and the monocyte/HDL rate.

RESULTS

The patients' leukocyte (p<0.001), platelet (p<0.001), plateletcrit (PCT) (p=0.002), neutrophil (p<0.001), monocyte (p=0.002), CRP (p<0.001), NLR (p=0.001), PLR (p=0.004), MLR (p=0.009), SII (p<0.001) and monocyte/HDL ratio (p<0.001) were higher than the control group. We observed a significant and positive relationship between the daily methamphetamine intake, and methamphetamine use duration (p=0.002), PCT (p=0.044), neutrophil (p=0.021), NLR (p=0.001), PLR (p=0.004), MLR (p=0.029), and SII (p<0.001). Daily methamphetamine intake had a significant and positive effect on SII. A one-unit increase in daily methamphetamine intake elevated SII by 165.53 units.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the presence of peripheral subclinical inflammation and systemic immune inflammation in adult men with MUD.

Bipolar disorders and schizophrenia: discrete disorders?

Background

With similarities in heritability, neurobiology and symptomatology, the question has been raised whether schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are truly distinctive disorders or belong to a continuum. This narrative review summarizes common and distinctive findings from genetics, neuroimaging, cognition and clinical course that may help to solve this ethiopathogenetic puzzle.

Methods

The authors conducted a literature search for papers listed in PubMed and Google Scholar, using the search terms "schizophrenia" and "bipolar disorder" combined with different terms such as "genes", "neuroimaging studies", "phenomenology differences", "cognition", "epidemiology". Articles were considered for inclusion if they were written in English or Spanish, published as full articles, if they compared subjects with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, or subjects with either disorder with healthy controls, addressing differences between groups.

Results

Several findings support the hypothesis that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are discrete disorders, yet some overlapping of findings exists. The evidence for heritability of both SZ and BD is obvious, as well as the environmental impact on individual manifestations of both disorders. Neuroimaging studies support subtle differences between disorders, it appears to be rather a pattern of irregularities than an unequivocally unique finding distinguishing schizophrenia from bipolar disorder. The cognitive profile displays differences between disorders in certain domains, such as premorbid intellectual functioning and executive functions. Finally, the timing and trajectory of cognitive impairment in both disorders also differs.

Conclusion

The question whether SZ and BD belong to a continuum or are separate disorders remains a challenge for further research. Currently, our research tools may be not precise enough to carve out distinctive, unique and undisputable differences between SZ and BD, but current evidence favors separate disorders. Given that differences are subtle, a way to overcome diagnostic uncertainties in the future could be the application of artificial intelligence based on BigData.

Limitations

Despite the detailed search, this article is not a full and complete review of all available studies on the topic. The search and selection of papers was also limited to articles in English and Spanish. Selection of papers and conclusions may be biased by the personal view and clinical experience of the authors.

The association between lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio and depression: Data from NHANES 2015-2018

INTRODUCTION

The relationship of lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR) with depression remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association between LHR and depression in US adults.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 4216 participants were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2018). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participants were classified as having depression if PHQ-9 scores were ≥10. Multiple logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between the LHR and depression.

RESULTS

Overall, the LHR was significantly associated with depression (per standard deviation increment; adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.14, 1.50]) after adjusted potential variables. Interactions between LHR with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and body mass index (BMI) on the risk of depression were found in stratified analysis (p for interaction < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher level of LHR was significantly associated with higher odds of having depression in US adults, and it was strengthened in participants with MetS or BMI ranging from 25 to 30 kg/m2 .

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Inflammation Dysfunction in Late-Life Depression: An Observational Cross-Sectional Analysis

Purpose

There are some challenges to diagnosis in the context of similar diagnostic criteria for late-life depression (LLD) and adult depression due to cognitive impairment and other clinical manifestations. The association between gut microbiota and inflammation remains unclear in LLD. We analyzed gut microbiota characteristics and serum inflammatory cytokines in individuals with LLD to explore the combined role of these two factors in potential biomarkers of LLD.

Methods

This was an observational cross-sectional study. Fecal samples and peripheral blood from 29 patients and 33 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were collected to detect gut microbiota and 12 inflammatory factors. We analyzed differences in diversity and composition of gut microbiota and evaluated relations among gut microbiota, inflammatory factors, and neuropsychological scales. We extracted potential biomarkers using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis to predict LLD utilizing the combination of the microbiota and inflammatory cytokines.

Results

Elevated systemic inflammatory cytokine levels and gut microbiota dysbiosis were found in LLD patients. Relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia at the phylum level and Megamonas, Citrobacter, and Akkermansia at the genus level among LLD patients was lower than HCs. Abundance of Coprococcus, Lachnobacterium, Oscillospira, and Sutterella was higher in LLD patients. Notably, IL6, IFNγ, Verrucomicrobia, and Akkermansia levels were correlated with depression severity. Our study identified IL6, Akkermansia, and Sutterella as predictors of LLD, and their combination achieved an area under the curve of 0.962 in distinguishing LLD patients from HCs.

Conclusion

This research offers evidence of changes within gut microbiota and systemic inflammation in LLD. These findings possibly help elucidate functions of gut microbiota and systemic inflammation in LLD development and offer fresh ideas on biomarkers for clinical practise in the context of LLD.

Association between systemic inflammation response index and chronic kidney disease: a population-based study

Introduction

Our objective was to explore the potential link between systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

The data used in this study came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which gathers data between 1999 and 2020. CKD was diagnosed based on the low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) of more than 30 mg/g). Using generalized additive models and weighted multivariable logistic regression, the independent relationships between SIRI and other inflammatory biomarkers (systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), platelet/high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR), and lymphocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR)) with CKD, albuminuria, and low-eGFR were examined.

Results

Among the recruited 41,089 participants, males accounted for 49.77% of the total. Low-eGFR, albuminuria, and CKD were prevalent in 8.30%, 12.16%, and 17.68% of people, respectively. SIRI and CKD were shown to be positively correlated in the study (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.30). Furthermore, a nonlinear correlation was discovered between SIRI and CKD. SIRI and CKD are both positively correlated on the two sides of the breakpoint (SIRI = 2.04). Moreover, increased SIRI levels were associated with greater prevalences of low-eGFR and albuminuria (albuminuria: OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.32; low-eGFR: OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18). ROC analysis demonstrated that, compared to other inflammatory indices (SII, NHR, LHR, MHR, and PHR), SIRI exhibited superior discriminative ability and accuracy in predicting CKD, albuminuria, and low-eGFR.

Discussion

When predicting CKD, albuminuria, and low-eGFR, SIRI may show up as a superior inflammatory biomarker when compared to other inflammatory biomarkers (SII, NHR, LHR, MHR, and PHR). American adults with elevated levels of SIRI, SII, NHR, MHR, and PHR should be attentive to the potential risks to their kidney health.

Lipids in Psychiatric Disorders: Functional and Potential Diagnostic Role as Blood Biomarkers

Lipids are a crucial component of the human brain, serving important structural and functional roles. They are involved in cell function, myelination of neuronal projections, neurotransmission, neural plasticity, energy metabolism, and neuroinflammation. Despite their significance, the role of lipids in the development of mental disorders has not been well understood. This review focused on the potential use of lipids as blood biomarkers for common mental illnesses, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. This review also discussed the impact of commonly used psychiatric medications, such as neuroleptics and antidepressants, on lipid metabolism. The obtained data suggested that lipid biomarkers could be useful for diagnosing psychiatric diseases, but further research is needed to better understand the associations between blood lipids and mental disorders and to identify specific biomarker combinations for each disease.

Immune Cell Alterations in Psychotic Disorders: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

A comprehensive meta-analysis on the composition of circulating immune cells from both the myeloid and the lymphoid lines including specialized subsets in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with psychotic disorders compared with healthy control participants has been lacking.

METHODS

Multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and PsycINFO) were searched for eligible studies up until October 18, 2022. All studies investigating circulating immune cells in the blood and CSF from patients with psychotic disorders (ICD-10: F20 and F22-29) compared with healthy control participants were included.

RESULTS

A total of 86 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the blood, the following categories of immune cells were elevated: leukocyte count (31 studies, standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.46), granulocyte count (4 studies, SMD = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.12 to 1.01), neutrophil granulocyte count (21 studies, SMD = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.54), monocyte count (23 studies, SMD = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.56), and B lymphocyte count (10 studies, SMD = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.48). Additionally, the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (23 studies, SMD = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.60), the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (9 studies, SMD = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.57), and the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (10 studies, SMD = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.43) were elevated. The CSF cell count showed a similar tendency but was not significantly elevated (3 studies, SMD = 0.14; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate a broad activation of the immune system in psychotic disorders, with cells from both the myeloid and the lymphoid line being elevated. However, CSF analyses were lacking in most of the studies, and many studies were hampered by insufficient adjustment for confounding factors such as body mass index and smoking.

Lymphocyte-related ratios, systemic immune-inflammatory and systemic inflammatory response index in alcohol use disorder

Addictive disorders are associated with systemic and central nervous system inflammation, which may be important for the onset and development of these diseases. Although lymphocyte-related parameters have recently been studied in alcohol use disorder (AUD), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) haven't. Lymphocyte-related ratios, SII and SIRI levels were evaluated between AUD and healthy controls (HC) in this study. It was a retrospective and cross-sectional study. This study included 72 patients with AUD and 184 individuals in the HC group. Lymphocyte related ratios such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), SII and SIRI values were compared. Compared to HC group, NLR (p < 0.001), MLR (p < 0.001), and SIRI (p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in AUD group. There was also a significant relationship between NLR and AST/ALT ratio in the AUD group (p = 0.022). The results of this study support that AUD is a chronic inflammatory psychiatric disorder. In addition, it may be useful to evaluate these markers in relation to liver enzymes in patients with AUD, as alcohol consumption causes liver damage. These markers may also be used in future studies to assess treatment response and disease severity.

Synergistic Interactions of Insufficient Physical Activity and a High Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index on Psychological Problems in Indonesians With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

High-grade inflammation represents a critical contribution to the onset of depression and might be manageable by physical activity (PA). Nevertheless, no study has examined synergistic interactions of insufficient PA and high values of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) on psychological problems.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated independent and synergistic interactions of insufficient PA and high SII levels on stress, anxiety, and depression in T2DM patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional research design with 294 T2DM patients was conducted. An XP-100 automated hematology analyzer was used to evaluate inflammatory biomarkers. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items and a standardized questionnaire about PA were respectively used to measure psychological problems and metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h/week.

RESULTS

A multiple linear regression demonstrated that patients with insufficient PA were significantly more likely to have higher stress (β = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-2.65), anxiety (β = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.81-2.96), and depression (β = 2.53, 95% CI = 0.82-4.24) than those with active PA. A high SII level was a key predictor and was most strongly associated with stress (β = 2.61, 95% CI = 2.02-3.20), anxiety (β = 3.16, 95% CI = 2.37-3.94), and depression (β = 3.72, 95% CI = 2.49-4.96) compared to those who had low SII levels. Notably, additive interaction results showed that combining insufficient PA and a high SII level had a significantly escalated 1.71-fold risk of stress, 1.82-fold risk of anxiety, and 2.69-fold risk of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Active PA and a low SII had a positive synergistic effect of decreasing psychological problems.

Neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), monocyte/HDL and platelet/HDL ratios are increased in acute mania as markers of inflammation, even after controlling for confounding factors

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies show that inflammation is related to the pathogenesis of acute mania of bipolar disorder. Neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (NHR), lymphocyte/HDL ratio (LHR), monocyte/HDL ratio (MHR) and platelet/HDL ratio (PHR) have recently been investigated as novel markers of inflammation. In addition, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and atherogenic coefficient (AC) are the leading atherogenic indices. The study aimed to investigate these inflammation and atherogenic index markers in acute mania of bipolar disorder. Another aim was to determine whether there is a relationship between these markers and disease severity and psychotic symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 109 BD-M and 101 (HC) were enrolled in the study. The differences in NHR, LHR, MHR, PHR, AIP and AC and their association with illness severity and psychotic symptoms were analyzed after adjusting for age, sex, total cholesterol level, body-mass index and smoking status. Then, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to analyze these parameters' diagnostic potential. Moreover, the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression Scale for use in bipolar illness-Severity subscale (CGI-BP-S) were used to assess the severity of clinical symptoms.

RESULTS

We found higher levels of NHR, MHR, PHR and AIP, but not LHR and AC, after adjusting confounding factors in patients with BD-M compared to HCs. In logistic regression analysis, higher levels of MHR and NHR were associated with BD-M. MHR, NHR and PHR were predictors for differentiating the BD-M group from the HC group. However, the severity of the illness or the psychotic feature of the manic episode did not significantly affect the parameters. In the ROC curve analysis of BD-M, the indicators with an area under the curve (AUC) higher than 0.6 were the MHR, NHR, PHR and LHR.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide information about the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of BD-M. Even after controlling for confounding factors, MHR, NHR, PHR and AIP are potential biomarkers for BD-M. Moreover, the increase in AIP may explain the co-morbidity between BD and cardiovascular diseases. However, the severity of the illness or the psychotic feature of the manic episode did not significantly affect the levels of inflammation ratios used in our study. Due to the low cost and widespread use of lipid metabolism and related inflammation rates, it may be beneficial to know the MHR, NHR, PHR and AIP levels in BD-M patients.

Inflammation Markers in Patients with Bipolar Disorder Who Have Committed Offenses and Their Relationship with Criminal Behavior

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the function of various inflammation parameters and their interactions in the pathology of Bipolar disorder (BD) and to assess whether they could be biomarkers in the relationship between criminal behavior and BD. Materials and Methods: Overall, 1029 participants, including 343 patients with BD who have committed offenses, 343 nonoffending patients with BD, and 343 healthy controls, were included in this retrospective study. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts; high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) levels; systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR), monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), platelet to high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) were measured. Results: Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of SII, SIRI, NHR, LHR, MHR, PHR, neutrophil, and monocyte values (p < 0.001). The lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the patients with BD who committed offenses (p = 0.04). The platelet counts were significantly lower in the patients with BD who committed offenses compared to nonoffending patients with BD (p = 0.015). The HDL-c levels were significantly lower in the patients with BD who have committed offenses than those of nonoffending patients with BD (p < 0.001). Bipolar disorder, not receiving active psychiatric treatment, having a diagnosis of bipolar manic episodes, and having low platelet and HDL values constitute a risk of involvement in crime. Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the role of systemic inflammation in the pathophysiology of patients with BD with and without criminal offenses and the relationship between inflammation and criminal behavior.

Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) at Baseline Predicts Clinical Response for a Subset of Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depressed Patients

Background: in a recent double-blind, placebo controlled RCT we demonstrated that selective inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX2) is an effective adjunctive strategy in treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBDD). To better clarify the mechanisms underlying TRBDD and treatment response, we conducted a retrospective exploratory analysis of the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI = absolute neutrophils × absolute monocytes/absolute lymphocytes) in relation to other biomarkers and clinical outcomes after escitalopram (ESC), combined with the COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib (CBX), versus placebo. Methods: Baseline measures of SIRI were compared between TRBDD and healthy controls (HC), and correlated with blood-based inflammatory cytokines, kynurenines, and growth factors. Post-treatment Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 (HAMD-17) total scores (clinical outcome) were modelled according to SIRI adjusting for demographics (including relevant interactions with SIRI), baseline depression, treatment arm, and treatment timepoint using multiple linear regression and robust linear mixed effects models. Results: Baseline SIRI did not distinguish TRBDD from HC groups. Baseline SIRI was significantly correlated with lower baseline MCP-1. The relationship between SIRI and HAMD-17 was significant at treatment week 8, in contrast to baseline. Finally, baseline SIRI predicted elevated post-treatment HAMD-17 scores, amongst patients with elevated depression scores at baseline. Significance: High pre-treatment SIRI may predict poorer depressive outcomes amongst TRBDD patients with baseline elevated depression.

Microglia and Other Cellular Mediators of Immunological Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: A Narrative Synthesis of Clinical Findings

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric condition that may involve immune system dysregulation. Since most putative disease mechanisms in schizophrenia have been derived from genetic association studies and fluid-based molecular analyses, this review aims to summarize the emerging evidence on clinical correlates to immune system dysfunction in this psychiatric disorder. We conclude this review by attempting to develop a unifying hypothesis regarding the relative contributions of microglia and various immune cell populations to the development of schizophrenia. This may provide important translational insights that can become useful for addressing the multifaceted clinical presentation of schizophrenia.

Analysis of complete blood count and derived inflammatory indicators for bipolar disorder patients with different states

Purposes

This study aimed to analyze the predictive ability of the complete blood count and derived inflammatory indicators for BD patients with different states to identify potential biomarkers.

Methods

We collected the data of BD in-patients from January 2021 to March 2023. The complete blood count and derived inflammatory indicators were computed by univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

In terms of BD patients, the levels of MON (p<0.0001), hs-CRP (p = 0.018), and NLR (p = 0.002) were independent risk factors in logistic regression analysis, as well as the cut-off values were 0.405 109/L, 2.600 mg/L, and 2.321, respectively. Regarding BD-M patients, the levels of MON (p<0.0001), hs-CRP (p = 0.012), and NLR (p = 0.002) were predictors in logistic regression analysis, and the cut-off values were, respectively, 0.505 109/L, 2.600 mg/L, and 2.620. Additionally, the levels of NLR (p = 0.006) and MHR (p<0.0001) were important indicators for BD-D and the cut-off values were 1.735 and 0.487, respectively. Furthermore, our findings showed that the level of MON (p = 0.001) was related to BD-mixed and the cut-off value was 0.340 109/L. Notably, MON+hs-CRP + NLR, MON+hs-CRP + NLR, and NLR + MHR had the highest diagnostic accuracy to predict BD, BD-M, and BD-D patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that distinct inflammatory indicators were closely associated with BD and its different states. Additionally, we also identified their cut-off values and optimal combined predictive indicators in different states of BD, helping us improve diagnostic accuracy and better assess them to manage early targeted interventions.

The Predictive Value of Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio (MHR) and Positive Symptom Scores for Aggression in Patients with Schizophrenia

Background and Objectives: Schizophrenia with aggression often has an inflammatory abnormality. The monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), platelet/high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) and lymphocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR) have lately been examined as novel markers for the inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between these new inflammatory biomarkers and aggression in schizophrenia patients. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 214 schizophrenia inpatients in our cross-sectional analysis. They were divided into the aggressive group (n = 94) and the non-aggressive group (n = 120) according to the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS). The severity of schizophrenia was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The numbers of platelets (PLT), neutrophils (NEU), lymphocytes (LYM), monocytes (MON) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) content from subjects were recorded. The NHR, PHR, MHR and LHR were calculated. We analyzed the differences between those indexes in these two groups, and further searched for the correlation between inflammatory markers and aggression. Results: Patients with aggression had higher positive symptom scores (p = 0.002). The values of PLT, MON, MHR and PHR in the aggressive group were considerably higher (p < 0.05). The NHR (r = 0.289, p < 0.01), LHR (r = 0.213, p < 0.05) and MHR (r = 0.238, p < 0.05) values of aggressive schizophrenia patients were positively correlated with the total weighted scores of the MOAS. A higher MHR (β = 1.529, OR = 4.616, p = 0.026) and positive symptom scores (β = 0.071, OR = 1.047, p = 0.007) were significant predictors of aggression in schizophrenia patients. Conclusions: The MHR and the positive symptom scores may be predictors of aggressive behavior in schizophrenia patients. The MHR, a cheap and simple test, may be useful as a clinical tool for risk stratification, and it may direct doctors’ prevention and treatment plans in the course of ordinary clinical care.

Association between Systemic Immunity-Inflammation Index and Hyperlipidemia: A Population-Based Study from the NHANES (2015-2020)

The systemic immunity-inflammation index (SII) is a novel inflammatory marker, and aberrant blood lipid levels are linked to inflammation. This study aimed to look at the probable link between SII and hyperlipidemia. The current cross-sectional investigation was carried out among people with complete SII and hyperlipidemia data from the 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). SII was computed by dividing the platelet count × the neutrophil count/the lymphocyte count. The National Cholesterol Education Program standards were used to define hyperlipidemia. The nonlinear association between SII and hyperlipidemia was described using fitted smoothing curves and threshold effect analyses. A total of 6117 US adults were included in our study. A substantial positive correlation between SII and hyperlipidemia was found [1.03 (1.01, 1.05)] in a multivariate linear regression analysis. Age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes were not significantly correlated with this positive connection, according to subgroup analysis and interaction testing (p for interaction > 0.05). Additionally, we discovered a non-linear association between SII and hyperlipidemia with an inflection point of 479.15 using a two-segment linear regression model. Our findings suggest a significant association between SII levels and hyperlipidemia. More large-scale prospective studies are needed to investigate the role of SII in hyperlipidemia.

The Associations of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte, Platelet-Lymphocyte, Monocyte-Lymphocyte Ratios and Immune-Inflammation Index with Negative Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII index) are increasingly used as indicators of inflammation in different conditions, including schizophrenia. However, their relationship with negative symptoms, including anhedonia, is largely unknown. Included were 200 patients with schizophrenia and 134 healthy controls (HC), assessed for physical anhedonia (PA), using the Revised Physical Anhedonia Scale (RPAS), and social anhedonia (SA) by the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS). Patients were rated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) and the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS). Most of the negative symptoms were in a weak to moderate positive correlations with blood cell inflammatory ratios, namely, between NLR and MLR with PANSS negative scale, CAINS, and BNSS, and in male patients, between PLR and PANSS negative scale and CAINS. Fewer correlations were detected in females, but also in a positive direction. An exception was SA, given the negative correlation between its severity and the SII index in females, and its presence and higher PLR in males. While different negative symptoms were associated with subclinical inflammation, the relationship between SA and lower inflammatory markers deserves further exploration.

Predictive role of blood-based indicators in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the predictive role of blood markers in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Methods

Data from patients with NMOSD, multiple sclerosis (MS), and healthy individuals were retrospectively collected in a 1:1:1 ratio. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score was used to assess the severity of the NMOSD upon admission. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to distinguish NMOSD patients from healthy individuals, and active NMOSD from remitting NMOSD patients. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors that could be used to predict disease recurrence. Finally, Wilcoxon signed-rank test or matched-sample t-test was used to analyze the differences between the indicators in the remission and active phases in the same NMOSD patient.

Results

Among the 54 NMOSD patients, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (platelet × NLR) were significantly higher than those of MS patients and healthy individuals and positively correlated with the EDSS score of NMOSD patients at admission. PLR can be used to simultaneously distinguish between NMOSD patients in the active and remission phase. Eleven (20.4%) of the 54 patients had recurrence within 12 months. We found that monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) (AUC = 0.76, cut-off value = 0.34) could effectively predict NMOSD recurrence. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that a higher MLR at first admission was the only risk factor for recurrence (p = 0.027; OR = 1.173; 95% CI = 1.018-1.351). In patients in the relapsing phase, no significant changes in monocyte and lymphocyte count was observed from the first admission, whereas patients in remission had significantly higher levels than when they were first admitted.

Conclusion

High PLR is a characteristic marker of active NMOSD, while high MLR is a risk factor for disease recurrence. These inexpensive indicators should be widely used in the diagnosis, prognosis, and judgment of treatment efficacy in NMOSD.

High systemic inflammation response index level is associated with an increased risk of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis: a large retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The association between inflammation and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has attracted increasing research interest. Recently, the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) has been proposed as a novel inflammatory biomarker, but its potential association with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) has not been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to explore the association between SIRI and LEDVT risk in a large sample over a 10-year period (2012-2022).

METHODS

All hospitalized patients who underwent lower extremity compression ultrasonography (CUS) examinations were consecutively identified from our hospital information system database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between SIRI and LEDVT risk. Sensitivity, restricted cubic spline and subgroup analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

In total, 12643 patients were included, and 1346 (10.6%) LEDVT events occurred. After full adjustment, a higher SIRI level was significantly associated with an increased risk of LEDVT (odds ratio [OR] = 1.098, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.068-1.128, p < 0.001), and patients in quartile 4 had a 2.563-fold higher risk of LEDVT than those in quartile 1 (95% CI: 2.064-3.182, p < 0.001). A nonlinear relationship was observed (P for nonlinearity < 0.001), with an inflection point of 4.17. Below this point, each unit increase in SIRI corresponded to a 35.3% increase in LEDVT risk (95% CI: 1.255-1.458, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found above the inflection point (OR = 1.015, 95% CI: 0.963-1.069, p = 0.582). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed the robustness of the association. This association also existed in both distal and proximal LEDVT.

CONCLUSION

A High SIRI is significantly associated with an increased risk of LEDVT in hospitalized patients. Given that the SIRI is a readily available biomarker in clinical settings, its potential clinical use deserves further exploration.