Abstract Background: Iron plays a vital role not only in erythropoiesis but also in immune system function, being essential for immune cell proliferation, activation, and the regulation of inflammatory responses. This study aimed to investigate the association between iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and systemic inflammation, with a specific focus on the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-to-platelet ratio (MPR). Furthermore, it examined the relationship of these inflammatory indices with key iron profile parameters, including hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron, and ferritin in individuals from the Assir region. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study analyzed the medical records from “Future lab pioneer database” during 2021–2023 including 3545 subjects. Iron profile test (HB, serum iron, and ferritin) and inflammatory markers (PLR and MPR) were calculated and analyzed among all gender and age groups. Results: PLR and MPR varied significantly across hematological and biochemical strata. In young adults, PLR rose from 7.35 ± 2.77 (mean ± standard deviation) (normal Hb) to 9.54 ± 4.66 (low) and 7.36 ± 2.17 (high) ( P < 0.0001). MPR declined in the same group from 0.030 ± 0.015 to 0.025 ± 0.012 and 0.023 ± 0.009 ( P < 0.0001). Male adults showed marked MPR elevation (0.039 ± 0.022 vs. 0.097 ± 0.170 vs. 0.033 ± 0.019, P < 0.0001). Significant ferritin-related changes were also observed for both indices in adults ( P < 0.0001). Conclusion: These suggest that PLR and MPR may serve as useful markers for assessing inflammation in individuals with different concentrations of (iron, ferritin, and Hb), especially among young adult age groups.
Dera et al. (Tue,) studied this question.