A comparison of the ratios of C-reactive protein and triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol as biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites

Non-linear association of a novel inflammation-lipid composite marker CRP/HDL with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: findings from a comprehensive national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Chronic low-grade inflammation and dyslipidemia are central to the development of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The ratio of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) integrates these factors, potentially serving as a novel biomarker for metabolic risk. However, the combined impact of these markers on the risks of IR and T2D has not been thoroughly examined. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between the hs-CRP/HDL-C ratio and the risks of IR and T2D.

METHODS

The cross-sectional methodology of this investigation is underpinned by data procured from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), encompassing a sample of 4,928 individuals from 2015 to 2018. The outcome variables were IR and T2D, as defined by the 2013 guidelines of the American Diabetes Association. To thoroughly investigate the association, a variety of analytical techniques were employed. These included weighted multivariate linear regression, weighted multivariate logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models to capture potential nonlinear associations between the hs-CRP/HDL-C ratio and outcomes. Subgroup analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

After controlling for multiple potential confounders, the ratio correlates with an escalated likelihood of of IR (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.78, 3.40) and T2D (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.48, 4.05). An inverted U-shaped, nonlinear relationship was identified between the ratio and IR, while a nonlinear association was also observed for T2D. However, the non-linear correlation between this ratio and T2D is more pronounced in individuals with hypertension, female, and non-drinkers.

CONCLUSIONS

The hs-CRP/HDL-C ratio exhibits a postive correlation with IR and T2D. These findings suggest that hs-CRP/HDL-C ratio has the potential to be used as biomarker for assessing IR and T2D risk in clinical settings. These results highlight the significance of keeping the hs-CRP/HDL-C ratio within optimal ranges to promote metabolic health, particularly among high-risk groups.

C-reactive protein to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio: an independent risk factor for diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes patients

Background and objective

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammation. However, a single lipid or inflammatory parameter cannot accurately predict the prognosis of DR independently, because it is prone to be affected by various confounding factors. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the inflammation-lipid indicator C-reactive protein (CRP)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and DR occurrence in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This hospital-based retrospective study included 784 T2DM patients. Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed by nonmydriatic fundus photography and/or fundus examination apparatus. T2DM patients were divided into non-DR and DR groups. Demographics variables, clinical history and serum biochemical indicators of the subjects were collected. We also calculated the CRP/HDL-C ratio. The association between the CRP/HDL-C and DR was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 784 participants, 612 without DR and 172 with DR, were included in the final sample analysis. Compared with non-DR participants, the DR diagnostic group had significantly higher CRP/HDL-C (4.03 ± 1.67 vs. 2.66 ± 0.97; p < 0.001). Then, the patients were grouped based on the quartiles of CRP/HDL-C, there was a gradual increase in the prevalence of DR was noted in T2DM patients along with the increased quartile of the CRP/HDL-C ratio (Q1: 7.65%; Q2: 15.31%; Q3: 19.90%; Q4: 44.90%; p = 0.028). After adjustment for the impact of various covariates, the odds ratio (OR) of the third and fourth vs. the first quartile of CRP/HDL-C were 2.905 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.372 ~ 6.152, p = 0.005) and 9.938 (95% CI: 4.987 ~ 19.804, p < 0.001), respectively. Further, multivariate logistic regression model showed that the CRP/HDL-C ratio (OR 3.176, 95% CI: 1.280 ~ 7.877, p = 0.013) was identified as risk factor for DR. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) to evaluate the predictive value of CRP/HDL-C for the risk of DR occurrence was 0.752 (95% CI: 0.711 ~ 0.794).

Conclusion

The ratio of C-reactive protein (CRP) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is associated with DR in patients with T2DM, and CRP/HDL-C may be an effective marker to help identify the risk of DR in patients with T2DM.

Developing a risk model for early diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults aged 40 years and above based on BMI/HDL-C: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of four indicators, including waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), vascular adiposity index (VAI), TG/HDL-C, and BMI/HDL-C for metabolic syndrome (MS) in Chinese adults aged 40 years and above. Additionally, the study aimed to develop an efficient diagnostic model displayed by a nomogram based on individual's BMI and circulating HDL-C level.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 699 participants aged 40 years and above. Quartiles of BMI/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, VAI, and WHTR were used as independent variables, and metabolic syndrome was used as the dependent variable. Logistic regression was conducted to explore the impact of each parameter on the risk of MS. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics were compared to determine the accuracy of the indicators in diagnosing MS in the participants. Logistic regression was run to construct the nomograms, and the performance of the nomogram was assessed by a calibration curve.

RESULTS

MS subjects had higher levels of BMI, BFM, PBF, VFA, AMC, WC, SCR, TG, and insulin, but lower LDH and HDL-C levels than the subjects without MS. The BMI/HDL-C ratio was positively correlated with the prevalence of MS and its components. The final diagnostic model included five variables: gender, BFM, WC, TG, and BMI/HDL-C. The model showed good calibration and discrimination power with an AUC of 0.780. The cut-off value for the nomogram was 0.623 for diagnosing MS.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI/HDL-C ratio was an independent risk factor for MS in Chinese adults. BMI/HDL-C was significantly correlated with MS and its components. BMI/HDL-C was the most powerful diagnostic indicator compared to other indicators, including TG/HDL-C, VAI and WHTR for diagnosing MS. The nomogram drawn based on the diagnostic model provided a practical tool for diagnosing MS in Chinese adults.

Atherogenic markers and 1-year amputation risk in adults with diabetic foot in a tertiary level hospital: A retrospective cohort study

AIM

To determine the association between atherogenic markers, such as total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C), triglycerides/HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C), and triglycerides-glucose index (TyG), and the risk of 1-year amputation in adults with diabetic foot in a tertiary level hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study conducted in 162 adult patients with diabetic foot. The outcome was amputation, defined as "primary amputation in patients' clinical history after their first hospitalization due to foot ulcer.". The cutoff point was determined using Youden's J statistic. The relative risk (RR) was presented as an association measure.

RESULTS

A TyG index of >9.4 [RR: 1.64 (1.10-2.45)] was associated with a high risk of amputation after 1-year in adults with diabetic foot. However, while a TC/HDL ratio of >4.69 [RR: 1.38 (0.94-2.03)] and a TG/HDL-C ratio > 3.57 [RR: 1.35 (0.89-2.06)] did not show associations with risk of amputation after 1-year.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a TyG index of >9.4 was associated with an increased risk of 1-year amputation in adults with diabetic foot. Future studies with larger samples and a longitudinal design may provide more robust evidence and a better understanding of clinical implications.

TG/HDL-c ratio as a predictor of progressive infarction in patients with anterior circulation single subcortical infarction

BACKGROUND

The contributors predicting progressive infarction (PI) in patients with anterior circulation single subcortical infarction (ACSSI) and pontine single infarction (PSI) may be unidentical. The role of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) ratio on PI is unclear. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the correlation between TG/HDL-c ratio and PI in patients with ACSSI or PSI.

METHODS

Between January 2020 and October 2022, we retrospectively enrolled 738 patients including 638 ACSSI patients and 100 PSI patients to analyze. Demographic characteristics, clinical information, and laboratory data were collected within 24 h of admission.

RESULTS

PI occurred in 143 (19.4%) patients. In univariate analysis, patients with PI had higher initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, higher discharge NIHSS scores, higher levels of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and TG/HDL-c ratio, but lower levels of creatinine compared to patients with non-PI (p < .05). Furthermore, the results of the subgroup analyses revealed the independent association between TG/HDL-c ratio and PI in ACSSI patients (OR 1.079, 95% CI 1.009-1.153, p = .026) rather than in PSI patients. Additionally, a receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the optimal predictive cutoff value of the TG/HDL-c ratio was 3.985, and a TG/HDL-c ratio ≥3.985 was more likely to experience PI in ACSSI patients.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the TG/HDL-c ratio was independently associated with PI in patients with ACSSI.

New atherogenic index for the prediction of carotid atherosclerosis based on the non-ultrasensitive c-reactive protein/HDL ratio

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend cardiovascular risk assessment as a preventive measure for cardiovascular diseases, whose fundamental etiology is arteriosclerosis. One of the tools used to estimate risk in clinical practice are atherogenic indices (AI), ratios between lipid fractions with well-established reference ranges. Despite its widespread use, there is still limited information on its clinical utility. In recent years, some research has reinforced the role of inflammation in the etiology and chronicity of the atherosclerotic process. The inclusion of inflammatory parameters in the AI calculation could improve its diagnostic performance in the detection of arteriosclerosis. We sought to evaluate a new AI as a ratio between C-reactive protein (CRP) values and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) values.

METHODS

A total of 282 asymptomatic patients with no history of cardiovascular disease were included in the study. Laboratory tests with lipid profile and CRP, and carotid ultrasound to assess the presence of atheromatosis were performed in all of them. The new AI is established as the ratio between non-ultrasensitive CRP value in mg/dL (multiplied by 100) and HDL value in mg/dL. It was compared with the Castelli I and II indices, and the plasma atherogenic index. The optimal cut-off point of the new AI was value=1 as determined by ROC curve, with an area under the curve of 0.678 (95% CI 0.60-0.75; p<0.001).

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 60.4±14.5 years. A total of 118 patients (41.8% of total) had carotid arteriosclerosis. When evaluating the diagnostic performance of different AIs, we found that CRP·100/HDL ratio showed the highest values of sensitivity and positive predictive value (0.73 and 0.68, respectively) compared to the Castelli I and II indices, and the plasma atherogenic index. It was also the only predictor of carotid atheromatosis both when considering its values quantitatively (with OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.1-1.7]; p=0.005), and qualitatively (with OR 2.9 [95% CI 1.5-5.5]; p<0.001) in patients with a CRP·100/HDL ratio>1.

CONCLUSIONS

The new PCR·100/HDL index showed the best diagnostic performance in the detection of carotid atheromatosis compared to other classic AIs in this Spanish population of asymptomatic patients.

Development and validation of an age-sex-ethnicity-specific metabolic syndrome score in the Chinese adults

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by metabolic dysfunctions and could predict future risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the traditionally defined dichotomous MetS neither reflected MetS severity nor considered demographic variations. Here we develop a continuous, age-sex-ethnicity-specific MetS score based on continuous measures of the five metabolic dysfunctions (waist circumference [WC], triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], mean arterial pressure [MAP], and fasting blood glucose [FBG]). We find that the weights of metabolic dysfunctions in the score vary across age-sex-ethnicity-specific subgroups, with higher weights for TG, HDL-C, and WC. Each unit increase in the score is associated with increased risks for hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension, and elevated levels of HbA1c, cholesterol, body mass index, and serum uric acid. The score shows high sensitivity and accuracy for detecting CVD-related risk factors and is validated in different geographical regions. Our study would advance early identification of CVD risks and, more broadly, preventive medicine and sustainable development goals.

Improvement of microvascular complications in STZ-diabetic rats treated with Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. extract

Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. from Fabaceae family is a medicinal plant traditionally used in decoction or infusion to treat diabetes mellitus. Although this plant is used in treating diabetes, studies on the effectiveness of its stem bark on the complications induced by chronic hyperglycemia have not been thoroughly addressed. Thus, this study was conducted to prove the efficacy of hydroethanolic extract of stem bark of P. erinaceus on type 2 diabetes and its complications, such as renal fibrosis and retinopathy in rats. STZ diabetics. The dry extract of P. erinaceus stem bark was obtained following the hydroethanolic extraction (v/v). Diabetes was induced with streptozocin in SD rats pretreated with fructose-lard for 20 days. Then, the serum and urinary biochemical parameters were evaluated at the start and the end of the treatment. Rats with blood glucose ≥350 mg/dL and significant proteinuria were selected and treated with P. erinaceus stem bark extract and glibenclamide for 3 weeks. A complete blood count and a histopathological examination of the retina and kidneys were performed at the end of the 41st day of treatment. The results showed that P. erinaceus extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw and glibenclamide at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg bw caused a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in basal blood glucose in STZ diabetic rats during treatment and improved oral glucose intolerance. At the end of the experiment, the treated rats showed a normalization in body weight, food and water consumption. Evaluating of biochemical parameters showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, TG/HDL-C ratio, CPK and oxidative stress in treated rats. No retinal and kidney abnormalities were observed on histological sections in rats treated with plant extract and glibenclamide. In contrast, macular edema and renal fibrosis were observed in the diabetic control group. The findings showed that extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw improves oral glucose intolerance, and inhibits lipid deposition and retinal and renal fibrosis. Therefore, the plant extract could be exploited in the production of herbal medicines to manage diabetes and its complications.

Association of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio to identify future prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: over one-decade follow-up in the Iranian population

BACKGROUND

To determine the association between triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) for identifying subjects at risk of incident prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

In 5064 subjects (men = 2247) aged ≥ 20 years, using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, the associations of TG/HDL-C with incident prediabetes and T2DM were examined among normoglycemic men and women. Furthermore, the association of this lipid ratio with incident T2DM was also assessed among prediabetic subjects (n = 1414). The multivariable analyses were adjusted for age, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, wrist circumference, systolic blood pressure, family history of T2DM, education level, history of cardiovascular diseases, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG).

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 11.2 years, 2140 new cases of prediabetes (men = 1070) and 360 incident T2DM (men = 152) were identified among normoglycemic individuals. In the prediabetic population, 574 new cases of T2DM (men = 252) were developed. Among the whole population, compared to the first quartile (reference), higher quartiles of TG/HDL-C were significantly associated with higher risks of incident prediabetes and T2DM among normoglycemic individuals and incident T2DM in the prediabetic population (all P for trend < 0.001). The corresponding hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the fourth quartiles were 1.37(1.20-1.58), 1.92(1.34-2.75), and 1.57(1.22-2.01), respectively. The sex-stratified analyses demonstrated similar significant associations in both sexes; however, TG/HDL-C lost its association with incident T2DM among prediabetic men. Among the normoglycemic population, 1 unit increase in TG/HDL-C was significantly associated with incident prediabetes and T2DM [1.02(1.00-1.03) and 1.06(1.03-1.08), respectively]. The corresponding value for incident T2DM in prediabetic individuals was 1.01(1.00-1.03). In a subgroup population having insulin data (n = 2897), the associations between TG/HDL-C and incident prediabetes and T2DM among normoglycemic individuals generally persisted even after replacing FPG with an index of insulin resistance (IR), i.e., homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) in the adjusted model.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, in the normoglycemic population, the increasing value of TG/HDL-C was unfavorably associated with incident prediabetes and T2DM, especially among women. Similarly, TG/HDL-C was associated with incident T2DM in prediabetic individuals. Generally, we found that the correlation between TG/HDL-C and different states of dysglycemia is independent of HOMA-IR.

The triglyceride-waist circumference index is a valid biomarker of metabolic syndrome in African Americans

BACKGROUND

The hypertriglyceridemia waist (HTGW) phenotype is associated with visceral adiposity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Since the cut points for abdominal obesity and hypertriglyceridemia, differ for different race groups, investigators have developed the product of triglycerides (TG) and waist circumference (WC) as the TG.WC index. We compared this TG.WC index to the TG:HDL-C ratio in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study to predict metabolic syndrome (MetS) in African Americans (AAs).

METHODS

Participants included 950 AAs and 2651 non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) for comparison from the NHANES data set. Persons with diabetes, ASCVD and macro-inflammation were excluded. Fasting blood was obtained for lipids, insulin and CRP.

RESULTS

In AAs and NHWs, both the TG.WC index and TG:HDL-C ratio were significantly increased in MetS patients. Also, both increased with increasing severity of MetS and correlated with all features of MetS, insulin resistance and inflammation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that discrimination with TG.WC for MetS was superior to the TG:HDL-C ratio especially in AAs.

CONCLUSIONS

TG.WC index is a superior biomarker to TG:HDL-C for predicting MetS in AAs despite their lower TG levels.