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Frontiers in Immunology 2024The identification of new, easily measurable biomarkers might assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although the full blood count is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio and systemic sclerosis and its complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
The identification of new, easily measurable biomarkers might assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although the full blood count is routinely assessed in the evaluation of SSc, the diagnostic utility of specific cell-derived inflammatory indices, i.e., neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), has not been critically appraised in this patient group.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the NLR, PLR, and MLR, in SSc patients and healthy controls and in SSc patients with and without relevant complications. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 23 February 2024. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using validated tools.
RESULTS
In 10 eligible studies, compared to controls, patients with SSc had significantly higher NLR (standard mean difference, SMD=0.68, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.91, p<0.001; I = 74.5%, p<0.001), and PLR values (SMD=0.52, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.83, p=0.001; I = 77.0%, p=0.005), and a trend towards higher MLR values (SMD=0.60, 95% CI -0.04 to 1.23, p=0.066; I = 94.1%, p<0.001). When compared to SSc patients without complications, the NLR was significantly higher in SSc with interstitial lung disease (ILD, SMD=0.31, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.46, p<0.001; I = 43.9%, p=0.11), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, SMD=1.59, 95% CI 0.04 to 3.1, p=0.045; I = 87.6%, p<0.001), and digital ulcers (DU, SMD=0.43, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.74, p=0.006; I = 0.0%, p=0.49). The PLR was significantly higher in SSc patients with ILD (SMD=0.42, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.59, p<0.001; I = 24.8%, p=0.26). The MLR was significantly higher in SSc patients with PAH (SMD=0.63, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.08, p=0.007; I = 66.0%, p=0.086), and there was a trend towards a higher MLR in SSc patients with ILD (SMD=0.60, 95% CI -0.04 to 1.23, p=0.066; I = 94.1%, p<0.001).
DISCUSSION
Pending the results of appropriately designed prospective studies, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that blood cell-derived indices of inflammation, particularly the NLR and PLR, may be useful in the diagnosis of SSc and specific complications.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024520040.
Topics: Humans; Scleroderma, Systemic; Neutrophils; Lymphocytes; Monocytes; Blood Platelets; Lymphocyte Count; Biomarkers; Platelet Count
PubMed: 38799443
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1395993 -
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Mar 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in women with a history of abortion (missed and threatened) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in comparison with healthy pregnancies.
METHODS
Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for NLR and PLR in women who experienced early pregnancy loss up to January 1, 2023 with a combination of proper keywords. Meta-analysis was done for comparison with three or more studies and summary estimates were measured.
RESULTS
A total of 390 citations were retrieved initially, and after screening, 16 articles were deemed eligible for the final review. Among these, 14 studies underwent meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the standard mean of the NLR was significantly higher in abortion cases compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the PLR between the pregnancy loss group and the control group.
CONCLUSION
NLR was significantly higher among RPL patients compared to the control group, according to these data, NLR may be capable of being used in the diagnosis of RPL as an easy, cheap, and accessible modality. Further studies, which take these variables into account, will need to be undertaken to determine the diagnostic value of NLR and PLR in early pregnancy loss.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Neutrophils; Blood Platelets; Lymphocytes; Abortion, Habitual; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38506423
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1210 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023The aim of this study was to systematically review the neuroimmunology literature to determine the average immune cell counts reported by flow cytometry in wild-type...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to systematically review the neuroimmunology literature to determine the average immune cell counts reported by flow cytometry in wild-type (WT) homogenized mouse brains.
BACKGROUND
Mouse models of gene dysfunction are widely used to study age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The importance of the neuroimmune system in these multifactorial disorders has become increasingly evident, and methods to quantify resident and infiltrating immune cells in the brain, including flow cytometry, are necessary. However, there appears to be no consensus on the best approach to perform flow cytometry or quantify/report immune cell counts. The development of more standardized methods would accelerate neuroimmune discovery and validation by meta-analysis.
METHODS
There has not yet been a systematic review of 'neuroimmunology' by 'flow cytometry' via examination of the PROSPERO registry. A protocol for a systematic review was subsequently based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using the Studies, Data, Methods, and Outcomes (SDMO) criteria. Literature searches were conducted in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. From that search, 900 candidate studies were identified, and 437 studies were assessed for eligibility based on formal exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Out of the 437 studies reviewed, 58 were eligible for inclusion and comparative analysis. Each study assessed immune cell subsets within homogenized mouse brains and used flow cytometry. Nonetheless, there was considerable variability in the methods, data analysis, reporting, and results. Descriptive statistics have been presented on the study designs and results, including medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs) and overall means with standard deviations (SD) for specific immune cell counts and their relative proportions, within and between studies. A total of 58 studies reported the most abundant immune cells within the brains were TMEM119 microglia, bulk CD4 T cells, and bulk CD8 T cells.
CONCLUSION
Experiments to conduct and report flow cytometry data, derived from WT homogenized mouse brains, would benefit from a more standardized approach. While within-study comparisons are valid, the variability in methods of counting of immune cell populations is too broad for meta-analysis. The inclusion of a minimal protocol with more detailed methods, controls, and standards could enable this nascent field to compare results across studies.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Brain; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Flow Cytometry; Research Design; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 38022545
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281705 -
BMJ Open Jan 2024Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. The most widely accepted staging system for MM is the revised International Staging System based on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. The most widely accepted staging system for MM is the revised International Staging System based on cytogenetic and clinical biomarkers. The circulating clonal plasma cells (CPCs) were reported to have potential prognostic impact on MM. Among various diagnostic approaches, multiparametric flow cytometry (FCM) offers heightened sensitivity, minimal invasiveness and reproducibility. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of quantifying CPCs via FCM in newly diagnosed symptomatic MM (NDMM) patients.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCE
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and references of included studies.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
We included observational studies that evaluated the prognostic value of CPCs detected by FCM in NDMM.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were screened and extracted independently by two investigators. The pooled results originated from random effects models. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). To evaluate the prognostic value of CPCs in NDMM, HRs and their 95% CI for both OS and PFS were derived using COX multivariable models. These values were then used to compute the pooled estimated effect.
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis encompassed a total of 2704 NDMM patients from 11 studies up to 27 August 2022. The pooled HR for OS and PFS in CPC-positive (CPCs+) group and CPC-negative group were 1.95 (95% CI 1.24 to 3.07) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.39), respectively. The autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) failed to eliminate the adverse impact on OS and PFS. The heterogeneity may stem from the use of novel agents or traditional chemotherapy as initial treatment.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis indicates CPCs+ had an adverse impact on the prognosis of NDMM patients in the total population, and the adverse impact could not be eliminated by ASCT.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021272381.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Prognosis; Plasma Cells; Flow Cytometry; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Reproducibility of Results; Transplantation, Autologous
PubMed: 38216195
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071548 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a commonly used biomarker for acute inflammation that often rises during sepsis, making it a valuable diagnostic indicator... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a commonly used biomarker for acute inflammation that often rises during sepsis, making it a valuable diagnostic indicator for clinical practice. However, no consensus has been reached on the prognostic value of NLR for predicting the prognosis and mortality risk in adult sepsis patients. In light of this controversy, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the prognostic significance of NLR in adult sepsis patients. The meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42023433143).
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and Springer databases, using retrieval terms "" or "" and "" or "" for studies published between January 1, 2000, and May 31, 2023. Children and neonates with sepsis were excluded from our research. Two independent researchers conducted the literature search and data extraction. Consensus was reached when discrepancies occurred, and in case of persistent discrepancies, the final decision was made by the research supervisor. The hazard ratio (HR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were extracted from each study included in the analysis. A random-effects model was used to synthesize all HRs and their 95% CIs. Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify studies that had a significant impact on the overall results of the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Egger's test was also used to investigate publication bias in this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
After a comprehensive literature search and screening, we included 12 studies comprising 10,811 patients for the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that patients with a higher NLR level were associated with a poor prognosis (Random-effects model, HR: 1.6273, 95% CI: 1.3951-1.8981). Heterogeneity testing showed significant heterogeneity (I 87.2%, 95% CI: 79.5-92, p<0.0001). Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the sources of heterogeneity, which revealed that the omission of one highly sensitive study significantly reduced the I value. After removing this study, a strong association was found between a higher NLR level and poor prognosis and risk of death in adult sepsis patients (Random-effects model, HR: 1.6884, 95% CI: 1.4338-1.9882). Both subgroup analysis and meta-regression indicated that the study design and testing time of NLR were sources of heterogeneity. Egger's test showed no obvious publication bias in this meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
NLR is a reliable and valuable biomarker for predicting prognosis and the risk of death in adult sepsis patients.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023433143] PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42023433143].
Topics: Child; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Neutrophils; Leukocyte Count; Lymphocytes; Prognosis; Biomarkers; Sepsis
PubMed: 38562922
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336456 -
Leukemia & Lymphoma Dec 2023T/Natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas (TCL) represent a heterogenous subgroup of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, associated with poorer prognosis and higher treatment toxicity. A... (Review)
Review
T/Natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas (TCL) represent a heterogenous subgroup of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, associated with poorer prognosis and higher treatment toxicity. A cohesive synthesis of infection outcomes among TCL patients is lacking. International guidelines offer no specific recommendations regarding prophylaxis or supportive infection care for TCL patients. This systematic narrative review highlights infection outcomes in TCL patients treated with conventional, and novel therapies. Recommendations for infection screening, antimicrobial prophylaxis and vaccination strategies are outined.
Topics: Humans; Lymphoma, T-Cell; Killer Cells, Natural; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin
PubMed: 37688482
DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2252945 -
Clinical and Experimental Medicine Aug 2023Pemphigus vulgaris is a potential life-threatening autoimmune bullous disorder. The significant role of autoreactive B cells in the pathogenesis of PV has been explained... (Review)
Review
Pemphigus vulgaris is a potential life-threatening autoimmune bullous disorder. The significant role of autoreactive B cells in the pathogenesis of PV has been explained extensively by producing autoantibodies. Recently, attention has been directed toward the role of T cells in the pathogenesis of PV; in other words, the underlying etiology of PV depends on the interaction between T cells and B cells resulting in antibody secretion. Herein, we systematically review the current literature on the emerging role of T cells in PV. To perform this systematic review, an extensive search through EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and ISI databases was performed from 1976 through 2021. Articles investigating the function of T cell subgroups in the pathogenesis or treatment of pemphigus vulgaris were included and reviewed. It is evidenced that T cells play a pivotal role in PV pathogenesis. Th1 and Th2 dichotomy including Th1 suppression and Th2 elevation may induce antibody production against desmoglein in keratinocytes. Furthermore, increased level of Th17 and decreased level of regulatory T cells have been detected in PV patients. However, further studies on the exact role of γδ-T cells in PV are required in order to clarify the pathogenesis of PV. T cells and their subtypes can be involved in the pathogenesis of PV. Thus, they can be considered as tentative targets of novel therapies for PV.
Topics: Humans; Pemphigus; Autoantibodies; Autoimmune Diseases; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; T-Lymphocyte Subsets
PubMed: 35925475
DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00855-8 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology :... Dec 2023To evaluate the value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting preeclampsia (PE) in pregnant women. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting preeclampsia (PE) in pregnant women.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for observational studies (cohort, case-control or cross-sectional) that reported pre-treatment maternal PLR values in women with and without PE. The analysis was done using a random effects model. Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies with 7755 patients were included in this meta-analysis. PLR was comparable in patients with PE and healthy pregnant women (WMD -2.97; 95% CI: -11.95 to 6.02; = 16). Patients with mild (WMD -3.00; 95% CI: -17.40 to 11.41; = 12) and severe PE (WMD -5.77; 95% CI: -25.48 to 13.94; = 14) had statistically similar PLR, compared to healthy controls.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show similar PLR in PE and healthy pregnancies. PLR, therefore, may not be used to differentiate between PE and normal pregnancy or for assessing the severity of PE. The majority of included studies were case-control, potentially introducing bias, and we identified evidence of publication bias as well.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Lymphocyte Count; Platelet Count; Pre-Eclampsia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Lymphocytes
PubMed: 38014649
DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2286319 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Apr 2024Intra-uterine infusion treatments were reported to be beneficial to embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes, and considered as potential therapies for infertile... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Intra-uterine infusion treatments were reported to be beneficial to embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes, and considered as potential therapies for infertile patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Nevertheless, their efficiencies were controversial and there lack of consensus on which intrauterine treatment is the most effective.
METHODS
All prospective trials (in Chinese or English) were searched in Databases PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CNKI from July 2013 to July 2023. We included studies that investigated various uterine infusions, including chorionic gonadotropin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, monocytes, platelet-rich plasma, etc. during IVF treatment and reported subsequent pregnancy outcomes.
RESULTS
We finally included 56 researches, including 40 randomized controlled trials, 14 non-randomized controlled trials, and 3 prospective cohort studies. This study included a total of 11 uterine perfusion methods: Placebo, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC), Growth hormone (GH), dexamethasone (DEX), Embryo culture supernatant (ESC), PRP combined with G-CSF (PRP + G-CSF), RPR combined with subcutaneous injection of G-CSF (RPR + G-CSFsc), G-CSF combined with subcutaneous injection of AXaIU (G-CSF + AXaIUsc). Intrauterine infusion of HCG, PBMC, G-CSF, and PRP significantly improves pregnancy outcomes in patients with repeated implantation failure compared with blank controls or placebo, and PRP improved the clinical pregnancy and live birth most. GH and ESC infusion might improve the pregnancy outcomes, but uterine infusion of DEX was shown with high miscarriage. The combination therapy did not show a significant advantage over the mono-therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Intrauterine infusion of HCG, PBMC, G-CSF, and PRP are promising strategies for improving pregnancy outcomes for infertile patients with recurrent implantation failure. Among these treatments, PRP may be the best. More researches are required to explore the effect of drug combinations and less commonly used drugs as well.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Our study was registered in PROSPERO and the ID was CRD42023467188.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Prospective Studies; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Network Meta-Analysis; Embryo Implantation; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Infertility, Female; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Pregnancy Rate
PubMed: 38627790
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01221-x -
American Journal of Surgery Mar 2024The established association between the inflammatory marker, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and both long-term surgical prognosis and short-term postoperative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The significance of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting short-term complications and survival benefits of pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The established association between the inflammatory marker, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and both long-term surgical prognosis and short-term postoperative complications is well-recognized. However, its prognostic value in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is yet to be ascertained. This meta-analysis investigates the prognostic relevance of preoperative NLR in PD patients.
METHOD
We systematically searched electronic databases to identify studies exploring the relationship between pre-treatment blood NLR levels and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and immediate postoperative complications in PD patients. Statistical evaluations, using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 12, focused on hazard ratios (HRs) and risk ratios (RRs). Additionally, subgroup analyses, publication bias tests, and sensitivity analyses were performed.
RESULT
Our analysis encompassed 18 retrospective studies, with NLR cutoff values ranging from 2 to 3.8. The meta-analysis revealed that PD patients with elevated NLR had diminished OS and DFS, evidenced by an HR of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.11-1.64, p = 0.003) and 1.62 (95% CI: 1.15-2.27, p = 0.005), respectively. Moreover, NLR emerged as an independent determinant of immediate postoperative complications, indicated by an OR of 1.91 (95% CI: 1.01-3.59, p = 0.013) and an HR of 2.15 (95% CI: 1.23-3.73, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
NLR serves as a significant prognostic indicator for both OS and DFS following PD and is a reliable predictor of postoperative complications. Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a significant prognostic indicator for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).
Topics: Humans; Neutrophils; Lymphocyte Count; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Retrospective Studies; Lymphocytes; Prognosis; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38101977
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.11.030