Neutrophil function in ischemic heart disease.

Abstract

(Circulation 1989;79:549-556) E xperimental studies in animals demonstrate that neutrophils play important roles in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia and infarction.1-5 Several epidemiologic studies in human subjects also indicate the relevance of leukocytes in ischemic heart disease. Elevation of leukocyte count in peripheral blood is associated with increased risk of acute myocardial infarction,6-10 its recurrence,1 and the incidence of ventricular fibrillation in the postinfarction period.12 Leukocyte count has also been shown to correlate with the extent of coronary artery disease observed at coronary angiography.13

Usefulness of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Prediction of Coronary Artery Lesions in Patients with Kawasaki Disease

“…Neutrophils are effective in ongoing active non-specific inflammation through the secretion of various inflammatory enzymes and mediators including elastase, myeloperoxidase, and freeoxygen radicals. In contrast to the phagocytic and killing effects of neutrophils, lymphocytes fulfill the regulatory function of the immune system (12,(16)(17)(18). Increased neutrophil count was found to be associated with infarct size and adverse angiographic outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction (12,19,20), while low lymphocyte count was related to adverse outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure (12,21,22).…”

The Change of Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio in Acute Appendicitis

“…Physiological response of the leukocytes against to inflammation, leads to increased number of neutrophils and decreased number of lymphocytes [6,7]. Therefore, ratios of these leukocyte subgroups (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) could be used as an important marker of inflammation.…”

Prognostic value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with pulmonary embolism

“…During inflammatory response, changes occur in the ratios of leukocyte subgroups in the circulation. Neutrophilia is accompanied by relative lymphopenia (2). Therefore, the blood neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be an important measure of systemic inflammation as it is cost-effective, is readily available, and can be calculated easily.…”