Genetic predictors of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and its association with chronic disease incidence and mortality

The goal of our study is to explore how the balance between inflammation and immunity may predict risk of chronic diseases. Neutrophils and lymphocytes may reflect innate immunity (and inflammation and adaptive immunity, respectively, that are easily measurable components of the immune system that circulate in blood. These measurements have been used in prior studies to predict patients’ prognosis. Emerging evidence suggest that the ratio of the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts (NLR) may also have utility in predicting which people may develop certain diseases. By investigating the NLR association in a large population of generally healthy people, we will be able to enhance our understanding of the roles of inflammation and immunity in causing major chronic diseases. In this prospective analysis, we will investigate the association of NLR levels with risk of cancer, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, liver disease and diabetes. We will also look at whether a person’s genes influence their NLR.