Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Bipolar Disorder

Overview

Journal Brain Sci

Publisher MDPI

Date 2021 Jan 9

PMID 33418881

Citations 31

Authors

Laura Fusar-Poli

Antimo Natale

Andrea Amerio

Patriciu Cimpoesu

Pietro Grimaldi Filioli

Eugenio Aguglia

Mario Amore

Gianluca Serafini

Andrea Aguglia

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Several inflammatory hypotheses have been suggested to explain the etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD) and its different phases. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) ratios have been proposed as potential peripheral biomarkers of mood episodes.

Methods: We recruited 294 patients affected by BD, of which 143 were experiencing a (hypo)manic episode and 151 were in a depressive phase. A blood sample was drawn to perform a complete blood count. NLR, PLR, and MLR were subsequently calculated. A -test was performed to evaluate differences in blood cell counts between depressed and (hypo)manic patients and a regression model was then computed.

Results: Mean values of neutrophils, platelets, mean platelet volume, NLR, PLR, and MLR were significantly higher in (hypo)manic than depressed individuals. Logistic regression showed that PLR may represent an independent predictor of (hypo)mania.

Conclusions: Altered inflammatory indexes, particularly PLR, may explain the onset and recurrence of (hypo)manic episodes in patients with BD. As inflammatory ratios represent economical and accessible markers of inflammation, further studies should be implemented to better elucidate their role as peripheral biomarkers of BD mood episodes.

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