The association between lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio and depression: Data from NHANES 2015-2018

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship of lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR) with depression remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association between LHR and depression in US adults.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 4216 participants were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2018). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participants were classified as having depression if PHQ-9 scores were ≥10. Multiple logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between the LHR and depression.

Results: Overall, the LHR was significantly associated with depression (per standard deviation increment; adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.14, 1.50]) after adjusted potential variables. Interactions between LHR with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and body mass index (BMI) on the risk of depression were found in stratified analysis (p for interaction < .05).

Conclusions: A higher level of LHR was significantly associated with higher odds of having depression in US adults, and it was strengthened in participants with MetS or BMI ranging from 25 to 30 kg/m² .

Keywords: depression; immune dysfunction; inflammation; lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio.

FIGURE 1

The relationship between LHR and depression ^. Adjusted for sex, age, race, education, smoking status, drinking status, marital status, family poverty ratios, BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, antidepressant, antihypertension treatment, hypoglycemic treatment,  lipid‐lowering therapy and sedentary behavior. LHR: lymphocyte to high‐density lipoprotein ratio; BMI: body mass index.

FIGURE 2

Stratified analyses for the association between LHR and depression (high vs. low). Adjusted for sex, age, race, education, smoking status, drinking status, marital status, family poverty ratios, BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, antidepressant, antihypertension treatment, hypoglycemic treatment,  lipid‐lowering therapy and sedentary behavior. BMI: body mass index; CI, confidence interval; hsCRP, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein; LHR: lymphocyte to high‐density lipoprotein ratio; OR, odds ratio.