Exploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is increasingly prevalent and a major cause of irreversible blindness, particularly in developing countries. Limited access to ophthalmologists often leads to delayed diagnosis, emphasizing the need for more affordable and widely accessible screening met...

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Main Authors: Ohisa Harley, Yufilia Suci Amelia, Elsa Gustianty, Nanny N. M. Soetedjo, Arief S. Kartasasmita
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:BMC Ophthalmology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-025-04075-y
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author Ohisa Harley
Yufilia Suci Amelia
Elsa Gustianty
Nanny N. M. Soetedjo
Arief S. Kartasasmita
author_facet Ohisa Harley
Yufilia Suci Amelia
Elsa Gustianty
Nanny N. M. Soetedjo
Arief S. Kartasasmita
author_sort Ohisa Harley
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is increasingly prevalent and a major cause of irreversible blindness, particularly in developing countries. Limited access to ophthalmologists often leads to delayed diagnosis, emphasizing the need for more affordable and widely accessible screening methods to facilitate early identification. Recently, several studies have demonstrated variability in findings regarding the relationship between leukocyte differential count ratio biomarkers and DR. This study aims to investigate the association between leukocyte differential count ratios—NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), PLR (Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), MLR (Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), and SII (Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index)—and the stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases up to September 2024, with a focus on identifying studies examining the relationship between the leukocyte differential count ratio profiles and diabetic retinopathy. Review Manager was used to conduct the meta-analyses. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to assess the included studies. Results A total of 38 studies were included in the systematic review and 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The mean differences in the NLR and PLR values were significantly different among the groups and were higher in the PDR group (0.68 (95%CI 0.42–0.95, p < 0.05) and 19.57 (95%CI 10.68–28.46, p < 0.05; respectively). These findings were followed by significant differences in SII value 202.53 (95% CI 196.19–208.86, p < 0.05). Moreover, the MLR values were not significantly different among the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion NLR, PLR, and SII are associated with both the presence and progression of DR, with increasing levels of NLR and PLR reflecting a higher risk and severity of the disease. However, it is still necessary to justify the need to combine them with other clinical parameters to confirm the diagnosis.
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spelling doaj-art-e44422cf4ab9434b908fcbba641c521a2025-08-20T02:10:53ZengBMCBMC Ophthalmology1471-24152025-05-0125112010.1186/s12886-025-04075-yExploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysisOhisa Harley0Yufilia Suci Amelia1Elsa Gustianty2Nanny N. M. Soetedjo3Arief S. Kartasasmita4Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran UniversityNetra Eye ClinicNetra Eye ClinicDepartement of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran UniversityNetra Eye ClinicAbstract Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is increasingly prevalent and a major cause of irreversible blindness, particularly in developing countries. Limited access to ophthalmologists often leads to delayed diagnosis, emphasizing the need for more affordable and widely accessible screening methods to facilitate early identification. Recently, several studies have demonstrated variability in findings regarding the relationship between leukocyte differential count ratio biomarkers and DR. This study aims to investigate the association between leukocyte differential count ratios—NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), PLR (Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), MLR (Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), and SII (Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index)—and the stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases up to September 2024, with a focus on identifying studies examining the relationship between the leukocyte differential count ratio profiles and diabetic retinopathy. Review Manager was used to conduct the meta-analyses. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to assess the included studies. Results A total of 38 studies were included in the systematic review and 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The mean differences in the NLR and PLR values were significantly different among the groups and were higher in the PDR group (0.68 (95%CI 0.42–0.95, p < 0.05) and 19.57 (95%CI 10.68–28.46, p < 0.05; respectively). These findings were followed by significant differences in SII value 202.53 (95% CI 196.19–208.86, p < 0.05). Moreover, the MLR values were not significantly different among the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion NLR, PLR, and SII are associated with both the presence and progression of DR, with increasing levels of NLR and PLR reflecting a higher risk and severity of the disease. However, it is still necessary to justify the need to combine them with other clinical parameters to confirm the diagnosis.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-025-04075-yDiabetic retinopathyNeutrophilLymphocyteMonocytePlateletBiomarker
spellingShingle Ohisa Harley
Yufilia Suci Amelia
Elsa Gustianty
Nanny N. M. Soetedjo
Arief S. Kartasasmita
Exploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
BMC Ophthalmology
Diabetic retinopathy
Neutrophil
Lymphocyte
Monocyte
Platelet
Biomarker
title Exploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full Exploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr Exploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Exploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short Exploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort exploring leukocyte differential count ratio profiles as inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy a systematic review and meta analysis
topic Diabetic retinopathy
Neutrophil
Lymphocyte
Monocyte
Platelet
Biomarker
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-025-04075-y
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