Silent Inflammation, Loud Consequences: Decoding NLR Across Renal, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers
• Inflammation Research
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Chronic low-grade inflammation is central to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
• The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an accessible biomarker of systemic inflammation.
• NLR's prognostic value in interconnected conditions like CKD, hypertension, diabetes, and CVD requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review evidence on NLR as a prognostic marker in CKD, hypertension, diabetes, and CVD.
• To synthesize mechanistic insights into inflammation-driven pathophysiology.
• To assess NLR's predictive utility in disease progression and adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of clinical and epidemiological studies.
• Focus on associations between NLR and CKD, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular outcomes.
• Synthesis of mechanistic insights and predictive utility.

Main Results:

• Elevated NLR correlates with increased risk, severity, and mortality in CKD.
• Higher NLR is linked to adverse cardiovascular risk factors in hypertension.
• NLR predicts poor glycemic control and vascular complications in diabetes.
• Elevated NLR predicts MACE and mortality in cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions:

• NLR is a potent prognostic biomarker for CKD, hypertension, diabetes, and CVD.
• NLR reflects underlying immune dysregulation and endothelial dysfunction.
• Integrating NLR into risk models may enhance personalized medicine, pending further validation.