Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is associated with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in healthy young men

Objective: It has been reported that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is significantly elevated in patients with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (< 35 mg/dL). But in this study, some patients had hypertension that may have affected the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. This study consisted of 1274 asymptomatic healthy young men. In contrast with the previous study, we investigated the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in healthy young men with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with controls. Methods: We studied 1274 asymptomatic young males (military personnel screening) who underwent routine health checkup. Of them, 102 subjects had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Results: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher among the men with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than that of the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is significantly elevated in asymptomatic healthy young men with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with control participants.