Relation between the novel marker monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and severity in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to establish whether there is a relationship between the Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) and severity of disease, and whether it can be used as a new marker for predicting disability in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease, which is usually contracted in early adolescence. Methods: 184 patient subjects who had been definitively diagnosed with MS, based on the McDonald criteria, and 105 healthy subjects with a similar age and gender profile were included in the study. The patients' Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, MS subtypes, length of time with the disease and demographics were captured. Blood samples were collected for hematologic and biochemical testing. The MHR values were calculated and statistically compared with those of the control group. Results: The average age of the MS patients was 38.3 ± 8.6 years and their average EDSS score was 2.5 [0-7.5]. The patient arm consisted of 118 (64.1%) females and 66 (35.9%) males. In the patients with MS, the MHR was 15.01 ± 0.63 compared to 9.61 ± 0.25 in the controls. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In the MS patients, the MHR cut-off value was 12.95 compared to controls, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Also, a statistically-significant (r: 0.297, P < 0.001) positive correlation was found between the MHR and EDSS score. Conclusion: The Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ratio is associated with disease severity and disability in MS patients, and may be used as an independent marker for predicting disability. However, broader-scale studies are needed for more conclusive results.