Evaluation of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets in psoriasis,

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease that is associated with cardiovascular comorbidities. Objectives: The objective of this retrospective study is to assess the C-reactive protein, monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio as inflammatory markers in patients with psoriasis and to search for a relationship between these parameters and psoriasis severity, as defined by the psoriasis area and severity index. Methods: There were 94 patients with psoriasis and 118 healthy controls enrolled in the study. The C-reactive protein, monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio values of two groups were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in terms of C-reactive protein, monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio between the patient and control groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.038, and p = 0.007, respectively). Positive correlations were found between the psoriasis area and severity index and the values of C-reactive protein, monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (r: 0.381; p < 0.01, r: 0.203; p < 0.05, r: 0.268; p < 0.01, r: 0.374; p < 0.01, r: 0.294; p < 0.01, respectively). Study limitations: The small sample size and the retrospective design of the study are limitations. Conclusion: Elevated C-reactive protein, monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly associated with psoriasis. A positive correlation between C-reactive protein and monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio leads to the suggestion that monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio might be a reliable parameter in psoriasis during the follow-up. The relationship between the diasease and inflammatory parameters might provide early detection of cardiovascular morbidities in psoriasis patients.

Effect of pomegranate polyphenols on lipids metabolism in patients with myocardial infarction: a double-blind placebo controlled trial

Background: Myocardial Infarction (MI) is a leading disease globally. Major risk factors for MI are smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, reactive oxygen species (ROS), obesity, coronary artery disease (CAD) and abnormally altered blood lipid levels. It is recommended that for healthy living the risk factors for CAD and ROS should be less. Consumption of natural food supplements rich in antioxidants and polyphenols reduce the risk of MI. One herb is Pomegranate. Pomegranate is polyphenols and antioxidants rich fruit. This prompted us to find out whether the presence of antioxidants in pomegranate offers any prognostic benefits in patients with MI?.Methods: Pomegranate Extract of Whole Fruit (PEWF) was prepared as tablet of 300mg to investigate its effects in patients with MI. Total 100 participants were included in the trial. Participants were assigned to two groups of 50 each. One group received “Add On” PEWF and other got matching placebo of same colour, shape and size as comparator agent in the dose of 300mg BD for 1 month.Results: Results were compared by Z test, Chi square test and coefficient of variations. Statistical analysis proves the prognostic effect after active medication (p<0.05). Study results indicate the rejection of Null Hypothesis (H0) and acceptance of Alternative Hypothesis (H1).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that consumption of antioxidant and polyphenols rich food supplements such as PEWFs for one month reduces the risk factors for CAD.