Analysis Links NHR With Increased Risk of PsO

The neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) is independently associated with an increased risk of psoriasis, raising the possibility of a novel biomarker for risk stratification, according to a large cross-sectional analysis of US adults published in Frontiers in Immunology.

The study drew on data from 21,723 adults 20 and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003–2006 and 2009–2014. The overall prevalence of psoriasis in this cohort was 2.75%.

Investigators used weighted multivariable logistic regression models to examine the relationship between NHR and psoriasis. In unadjusted analyses, elevated NHR was significantly associated with higher risk of psoriasis (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06–1.16; P < .001). The association remained statistically significant after adjusting for demographic, metabolic, and comorbid factors (fully adjusted model: OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02–1.14; P = .007).

Stratified analyses showed that participants in the highest quartile of NHR (Q4) had a 63% higher likelihood of psoriasis compared with those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.27–2.08; P < .001). Subgroup results were largely consistent, though the relationship between NHR and psoriasis was modified by alcohol consumption history (P for interaction = .048). Sensitivity analyses supported the stability of the association across different models and population strata.

“Higher NHR levels are independently associated with an increased risk of psoriasis,” the authors concluded. “Further prospective cohort studies and mechanistic experiments are needed to validate its predictive performance and potential role in psoriasis risk stratification and monitoring.”