The NLR Reflects Inflammation and More

The Neutrophil:Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) serves as a marker of systemic inflammation, reflecting cell-mediated responses from neutrophils and lymphocytes. It is associated with severe infections and worse outcomes in several types of cancers.

The NLR can rise with physiological stress like trauma, major surgery, shock, or sepsis and often reflects disease severity and poor prognosis.

High NLR is linked to a range of conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, acute pancreatitis, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, and bacterial infections.

Increased NLR is also associated with an elevated risk of abnormal blood pressure, glucose regulation, cardiometabolic disorders, and inflammatory mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. 

In contrast, a low NLR might indicate a viral infection or adrenal insufficiency.

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