Association of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and natural killer cell activity revealed by measurement of interferon‐gamma levels in a healthy population. Issue 1 (13th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Bo‐Ram; Chun, Sejong; Cho, Duck; Kim, Kyeong‐Hee
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical laboratory analysis. Volume 33:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-08-13
• Subjects: immunoregulation -- interferon gamma -- neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio -- NK cell -- NK cell activity; Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; Medical laboratory technology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22640
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-8013

Abstract

Abstract : Background: While a method of assaying natural killer (NK) cell activity by measuring the amount of interferon (IFN)‐γ released from NK cells has been proposed, no data are available about the factors that influence IFN‐γ levels related to NK cell activity. NLR has recently been reported to be a predictor of several diseases. In the present study, we investigated the pre‐analytical variables for NK cell activity using measurements of IFN‐γ and the relationship between NLR and NK cell activity. Methods: The NK cell activity was assessed with the measurement of IFN‐γ after stimulation with an NK cell‐specific stimulant (NK Vue ™, ATgen, Sungnam, Korea). One hundred and six adult volunteers were recruited and analysis of their complete blood count data and serum C‐reactive protein was done. Blood sample from 59 of the participants was also used for analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations. Result: Natural killer cell activity varied widely (range, 44.2‐1775.6 pg/mL). NK cell activity was higher in females than in males ( P = 0.014). NK cell activity decreased with increasing NLR ( P = 0.004, r = −0.32) but NK cell activity showed no significant association with NK cell count or other lymphocyte subpopulations. NK cell activity levels according to CRP quartile were significantly different ( P = 0.025). Conclusion: We have observed that NK cell activity when assessed by IFN‐γ level measurement was negatively correlating with NLR. This result can be helpful in interpreting or predicting NK cell activity in the clinical environment.