Abstract

Aim To evaluate the monocyte/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as biomarkers of systemic inflammation in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Materials and Methods: HDL, hematological profiles, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, C-reactive protein, MHRs, and NLRs were evaluated in 30 patients with neovascular AMD (Group 1), 30 with non-neovascular AMD (Group 2), and 30 controls (Group 3).
Results: MHRs and NLRs were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 3 (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively) and were independent predictors of neovascular AMD in multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 1.231 and 3.332; 95% confidence interval = 1.035–1.466 and 1.385–8.019; p = 0.019 and 0.007, respectively). The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve for MHR and NLR were 0.669 and 0.769. The sensitivity and specificity of MHRs and NLRs in predicting neovascular AMD were 47% and 97% versus 63% and 80%, respectively.
Conclusions: By reflecting the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses, the MHR can reliably indicate systemic inflammation in AMD.

Key words: Age-related macular degeneration; monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; systemic inflammation; neovascular AMD.