Work

Correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with serum α-klotho levels in US middle-aged and older individuals: Results from NHANES 2007–2016

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • The study selected a large, representative sample from five consecutive NHANES cycles, ensuring robust and generalizable results. Systemic inflammation markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio) were found to be significantly associated with lower serum α-klotho levels. • The relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and α-klotho varies by age, gender, and the presence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio may contribute to reduced α-klotho expression, potentially accelerating the aging process. • These findings highlight the possibility of systemic inflammation inhibition in preserving α-klotho levels, which may be supposed as a novel therapy in age-related disorders. The α-klotho (αKl) is widely accepted as an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory protein. However, it is rarely reported on the function and mechanism of αKl in the overall population (including healthy people and those with history of chronic disease). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are established as predictors of systemic inflammation. This study aims to investigate the relationship between NLR, PLR, and αKl levels in the overall population. Data from 10,124 adults aged 40 years old and above, collected from NHANES 2007–2016, were analyzed. Associations between NLR, PLR, and αKl levels were assessed by weighted multivariate linear regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders. Subgroup analysis was conducted by gender, age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Weighted linear regression models showed that a significant negative correlation was observed between both NLR and PLR with αKl levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that the negative correlation between NLR and serum αKl levels was not significant in individuals aged 40–59 years and males, while this relationship remained stable across most other subgroups. The negative correlation between PLR and serum αKl levels was consistent across most subgroups but not significant in individuals with cardiovascular disease. Our study revealed a significant negative relationship between inflammatory markers (NLR and PLR) and serum αKl levels, suggesting systemic inflammation may be linked to reduced αKl expression. Subgroup analyses showed that the relationship varies across different demographic and health-related factors. We provided insight into the significance of managing inflammation and preserving αKl levels.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102877