Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global health problem. White blood cell (WBC), neutrophils and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are valid indicators involved in acute and chronic inflammation. The aims of our study were to analyze the correlation and severity of these indicators with MetS and its components, and explore the diagnostic value of their combined tests for MetS. METHODS: A total of 7726 subjects were recruited, and laboratory biomarkers were collected. The differences of indicators between MetS group and non-MetS group were analyzed. The linear trend between each indicator and the increasing number of metabolic disorders was analyzed using trend variance test. The correlation between each indicator and MetS with its components was analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: The levels of WBC, neutrophil, and hemoglobin grew significantly in the MetS group compared to non-MetS group, and gradually increased with the increased number of MetS disorders. Logistic regression analysis indicated significant correlations between WBC, neutrophils, and hemoglobin with MetS and its components. ROC curve analysis showed WBC, neutrophils, and hemoglobin served as good predictors for MetS, especially in adults aged under 40. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that WBC, neutrophils, and hemoglobin are efficient indicators for predicting MetS and evaluate its severity.