Low-grade inflammation score (INFLA- score) associated with metabolic syndrome and its components in shift workers

To explore the relationship between the low-grade inflammation score (INFLA-score) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in shift workers working in the oilfield operations in Karamay City, Xinjiang, and to provide data support for the effective prevention of MetS through the reduction of systemic inflammatory responses.

INFLA-score was calculated based on C-reactive protein, leukocyte count, platelet count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in 1,758 shift workers working at the oilfield base in Karamay City, Xinjiang, China, in the year 2023, as the study population. A logistic regression analysis model combined with restricted cubic spline was used to analyze the relationship between INFLA-score and MetS and its components in shift workers.

A total of 1758 shift workers were included, of whom 785 were diagnosed with MetS. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that those with higher INFLA score had a higher likelihood of developing MetS (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.07-1.10). In the Q1-Q4 INFLA quartile group, the risk of developing MetS was 3.58 times higher in the Q4 group than in the Q1 group. After adjusting for all confounders, INFLA-score was found to be positively associated with elevated blood glucose, blood pressure, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and lower HDL (p < 0.001). Restricted cubic spline results showed a dose-response relationship between INFLA-score and MetS and its components. In subgroup analyses and interaction tests, women had a higher risk of MetS than men (men: OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.09, p < 0.001; women: OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09-1.16, p < 0.001), and the interaction showed that there was an effect of the association between sex and INFLA score on the occurrence of MetS (interaction p < 0.05).

Elevated INFLA-score was associated with MetS among shift workers, and the INFLA-score was a simple, cost-effective test for MetS. Therefore, MetS can be combated by controlling the levels of inflammatory factors in shift workers.