Submit to Diagnostics Review for Diagnostics Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Laboratory Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 13495

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Daria Pašalić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Zagreb University School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: clinical biochemistry; molecular diagnostics; genetics; epigenetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Lidija Bilic-Zulle

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Interests: clinical biochemistry; health informatics; clinical laboratory science; laboratory analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biochemical testing is used in clinical medicine to obtain biochemical information for the treatment of patients. Information can only be used effectively for clinical decision making if it is true and appropriate, and if the physician recognizes how important it is. Among other kinds of diagnostics, laboratory tests are included in almost 80% of clinical decisions. Therefore, patient safety in laboratory medicine must be thoroughly assured. It needs to be acknowledged as a guarantee against any potential mistakes in the total testing process. Biochemistry is therefore essential in the diagnosis and management of different disorders.

Prof. Dr. Daria Pašalić
Prof. Dr. Lidija Bilic-Zulle
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

laboratory tests in diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and treatment
blood biomarkers in laboratory medicine
extravascular body fluid biomarkers in laboratory medicine
novel biomarkers in clinical biochemistry
evidence-based laboratory medicine
extra analytical phase and patient safety
quality assurance and management in laboratory medicine

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 1259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urinary Fetuin-A with Specific Post-Translational Modification in Type 1 Diabetes Patients with Normoalbuminuria and Preserved Kidney Function

by Sandra Božičević, Tomislav Bulum, Lea Smirčić Duvnjak and Marijana Vučić Lovrenčić

Diagnostics 2025, 15(4), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15040423 - 10 Feb 2025

Viewed by 592

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Post-translationally modified peptide fragments of fetuin-A (FetA) were identified as a potential biomarker of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). An independent association between urinary FetA-derived peptide levels (uPTM3-FetA) and DKD progression in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was evidenced. This study aimed to explore uPTM3-FetA excretion and its associations with insulin resistance, inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and the normal albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Methods: uPTM3-FetA levels in aliquots of 24 h urine specimens, routine laboratory renal, metabolic and inflammatory tests, adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin), and insulin resistance, assessed as the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), were measured in a cohort of 169 adult T1D patients. To evaluate the changes in early renal dysfunction, the cohort was divided according to the median eGFR. Above- and below-median-eGFR groups were considered as having normal and declining kidney function, respectively. Results: The median (IQR) uPTM3-FetA level was 11.7 (8.43–16.65 µg/24 h), with no significant difference between males and females, as well as normal and declining kidney function patients. However, a sex-specific analysis revealed a significantly higher uPTM3-FetA excretion in male T1D patients with lower eGFRs, when compared to those with higher eGFRs, whereas no such difference was observed in female patients. BMI, hs-CRP, resistin and HDL-cholesterol were identified as independent predictors of uPTM3-FetA excretion. Conclusions: Our results implicate the potential role of uPTM3-FetA in the detection of an early renal dysfunction in male patients with T1DM and pinpoint the importance of a sex-specific approach in diabetes diagnostics and research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of rs3798220 Polymorphism with Cardiovascular Incidents in Individuals with Elevated Lp(a)

by Dunja Leskovar Lemešić, Livija Šimičević, Lana Ganoci, Andrea Gelemanović, Nediljko Šućur and Ivan Pećin

Diagnostics 2025, 15(4), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15040404 - 7 Feb 2025

Viewed by 925

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] plays a significant role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Genetic regulation of Lp(a) involves variations in the apo(a) LPA gene, as specific polymorphisms like rs10455872 and rs3798220, both linked to higher Lp(a) levels and CVD. CVD remains the leading global cause of death, with high Lp(a) levels increasingly recognized as a significant factor in younger patients with no other CVD risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the association of LPA genetic variations with Lp(a) levels and its effect on cardiovascular risk as there are existing inconsistent findings. Methods: This case–control study included 251 subjects with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range, IQR = 17) and elevated Lp(a) levels. Cases were subjects who experienced early cardiovascular incidents (women < 65, men < 55 years old), and the control group included subjects without such history. Genotyping of LPA gene polymorphisms (rs10455872 and rs3798220) was performed, and demographic data with Lp(a) levels were collected. To evaluate the association between the LPA genotypes and the risk of cardiovascular incidents (CVI), several logistic regression models were performed. The cut-off points for Lp(a) levels were determined using diagnostic test accuracy measures. Results: The rs3798220-C allele was associated with higher Lp(a) levels (288 ± 166 nmol/L in cases vs. 189 ± 102 nmol/L in controls, p < 0.001) and myocardial infarction (53% in cases vs. 36% in controls, p = 0.036). Among cases, 28.9% carried the rs3798220-C allele, compared to 18.7% in controls. The rs10455872-G allele was slightly more prevalent in controls (34.15% vs. 29.69%) but without further significant associations. In this study, the cut-off Lp(a) value of 151 nmol/L, for patients with a positive family history of early CVD, is associated with a higher chance of developing CVI. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an association between the LPA rs3798220-C allele and higher Lp(a) levels, as well as an increased risk of early onset myocardial infarction. However, the obtained association should further be evaluated at a much larger scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hormones, Age, and Erectile Dysfunction: Should Routine Testing Be Part of the Initial Evaluation?

by Daniel Porav-Hodade, Raul Dumitru Gherasim, Irina Bianca Kosovski, Toader Septimiu Voidazan, Nicolae Crisan, Petrut Bogdan, Radu Galis, Bogdan Ovidiu Feciche, Mártha Orsolya Katalin Ilona and Ciprian Todea-Moga

Diagnostics 2025, 15(3), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15030294 - 27 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1253

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age, the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED), and the various hormones that may influence erectile function. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2023. The study assessed age, sexual function using the IIEF-15 questionnaire, and the levels of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin (PRL), and SHBG. Results: A total of 411 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 63.19 years. The vast majority (91.73%) exhibited some degree of ED. The severity of ED increases with age, ranging from 56.26 years for patients without ED to 73.12 years for those with severe ED. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between IIEF and age, while a positive correlation was observed between IIEF and serum levels of TT and FT (p < 0.05). Age was significantly correlated with all evaluated hormones (p < 0.01), except estradiol and prolactin. Total testosterone levels progressively decreased with the increase in the severity of erectile dysfunction, from a median of 7.05 ng/mL in patients with normal erectile function to 3.56 ng/mL in those with severe symptoms, remaining above the normal minimum threshold across all groups, whereas free testosterone (FT) levels also declined progressively. All erectile dysfunction groups had median FT levels below the normal minimum threshold. FSH, LH, and SHBG showed an increase with each progressive severity of erectile dysfunction. The multivariate linear regression revealed that IIEF scores are significantly associated with age, TT, and FT levels, while FSH did not present a statistically significant association in this model. Conclusions: Age shows a significant statistical correlation with both the severity of erectile dysfunction and the levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, LH, FSH, and SHBG. Total and free testosterone levels are significantly associated with the severity of erectile dysfunction, with free testosterone median values remaining above the normal minimum threshold in all patients with erectile dysfunction. Therefore, free testosterone should be considered a routine test, alongside total testosterone. In contrast, LH, estradiol, SHBG, and prolactin do not demonstrate any statistical correlation with erectile dysfunction and should not be recommended as routine investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

15 pages, 2595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Investigation of Thromboelastometry and Thrombin Generation for Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants or Vitamin K Antagonists

by Armando Tripodi, Marco Capecchi, Erica Scalambrino, Marigrazia Clerici, Barbara Scimeca, Pasquale Agosti, Paolo Bucciarelli, Andrea Artoni and Flora Peyvandi

Diagnostics 2024, 14(22), 2553; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14222553 - 14 Nov 2024

Viewed by 731

Abstract

Background. Alterations induced by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to thromboelastometry and thrombin generation are not well defined. We performed a simultaneous investigation of thromboelastometry and thrombin generation for patients who were chronically anticoagulated with DOACs or VKAs. Methods. A total of 131 patients on DOACs [apixaban (n = 37), rivaroxaban (n = 34), dabigatran (n = 30), edoxaban (n = 30)] and 33 on VKAs were analyzed. Whole blood was analyzed for thromboelastometry and plasma was analyzed for thrombin generation. Results. While the thromboelastometry clotting time (CT) was responsive to the hypocoagulability induced by DOACs or VKAs, clot formation time and maximal clot formation were not. Cumulatively, the parameters denoting the velocity of thrombin generation (lag time, time-to-peak) were relatively less responsive to the hypocoagulability induced by VKAs than DOACs. Conversely, the parameters denoting the quantity of thrombin generation [peak-thrombin and the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP)] were more responsive to the hypocoagulability induced by VKAs than DOACs. Apixaban showed relatively small differences (peak vs. trough) in the plasma concentration and a relatively small (peak vs. trough) difference of hypocoagulability when assessed by the CT or the ETP. The CT and the ETP were strongly correlated with DOAC concentrations or with the VKA-INR. Conclusions. DOACs and VKAs altered thromboelastometry and thrombin generation to an extent that probably reflects the mode of action of these drugs and may also have practical implications for patients’ management. Apixaban showed a small difference of hypocoagulability (peak vs. trough), suggesting a more stable anticoagulation over the daily course of treatment. Based on the correlations of the CT or the ETP vs. the DOAC concentrations, we estimated that critical values of the CT or the ETP would correspond to DOAC concentrations of 400 or 20 ng/mL. Whenever dedicated tests for DOAC concentrations are not available, the CT or the ETP can be used as surrogates to evaluate the level of anticoagulation induced by DOACs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Releasing Dynamic of Serum ST2 and Calprotectin in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

by Ana Sruk, Hrvoje Budinčević, Ana-Maria Šimundić, Lora Dukić, Tena Sučić Radovanović, Helena Čičak and Daria Pašalić

Diagnostics 2024, 14(13), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14131331 - 23 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 965

Abstract

This study investigated the releasing dynamics of serum ST2 and calprotectin in patients with acute IS. The study included acute IS patients (N = 20) with an NIH Stroke Scale score ≥8. Sampling was performed at seven time points: after admission (T0) and at the following 24 h consecutive intervals (T1–T6). Primary outcome at 90 days was evaluated using the modified Rankin scale: 0–2 for good and 3–6 for poor functional outcome. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality after 90 days. Fifteen patients had a poor outcome, and eight died. Results showed a statistically significant difference in ST2 concentrations between good and poor outcomes at T0 (p = 0.04), T1 (p = 0.006), T2 (p = 0.01), T3 (p = 0.021), T4 (p = 0.007), T5 (p = 0.032), and for calprotectin T6 (p = 0.034). Prognostic accuracy was highest for ST2 at T1 for a cut-off > 18.9 µg/L (sensitivity 80% and specificity 100.0%) and for calprotectin at T5 for a cut-off > 4.5 mg/L (sensitivity 64.3% and specificity 100.0%). Serum ST2 and calprotectin-releasing dynamics showed a valuable prognostic accuracy for IS outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison between the Friedewald, Martin and Sampson Equations and LDL-C Quantification by Ultracentrifugation in a Mexican Population

by Giovanny Fuentevilla-Álvarez, María Elena Soto, José Antonio García Valdivia, Yazmín Estela Torres-Paz, Reyna Sámano, Israel Perez-Torres, Ricardo Gamboa-Ávila and Claudia Huesca-Gómez

Diagnostics 2024, 14(12), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14121241 - 13 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1602

Abstract

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which makes up about 70% of the cholesterol in the blood, is critical in the formation of arteriosclerotic plaques, increasing the risk of heart disease. LDL-C levels are estimated using Friedewald, Martin and Sampson equations, though they have limitations with high triglycerides. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness of these equations versus the ultracentrifugation technique in individuals with and without dyslipidemia and identify precision. There were 113 participants, 59 healthy controls and 54 dyslipidemic patients. Samples were collected after fasting. LDL-C was estimated using the Friedewald, Martin and Sampson equations. The purified LDL-C, ultracentrifugated and dialysized control group without dyslipidemia vs. patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) showed differences in age, HDL-C, triglycerides and glucose non-HDL-C (p = 0.001 in all). There were correlations in CGWD between ultracentrifugation and Sampson R-squared (R²) = 0.791. In the dyslipidemia control group, ultracentrifugation and Friedewald R² = 0.911. In patients with CAD, correlation between ultracentrifugation and Sampson R² = 0.892; Bland–Altman confirmed agreement in controls without dyslipidemia. The Martin and Sampson equations are interchangeable with ultracentrifugation. Conclusion: The role of LDL analysis using precise techniques is necessary to obtain better control of disease outcomes after the use of precise therapies and suggests verifying its importance through clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical and Analytical Comparison of Monoclonal and Polyclonal Immunoassays for Fecal Pancreatic Elastase

by Jasna Lenicek Krleza, Merica Aralica, Lara Milevoj Kopcinovic and Renata Zrinski Topic

Diagnostics 2024, 14(11), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14111166 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 1106

Abstract

Background: Numerous immunoassays have been commercialized to determine pancreatic elastase (PE) in feces in screening for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), but how the different assays compare to one another is controversial, especially in the context that all methods use the same cut-off values for interpreting the results obtained on the presence or absence of EPI or the degree of insufficiency if it is present. Our aim was to analytically verify a new method for determining PE, compare the results with a previous method, and verify the declared cut-off values for interpretation of the results. Methods: PE in the stool was assayed using a previous monoclonal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (“ScheBo ELISA”) and a new polyclonal particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (“Bühlmann PETIA”). The direct method comparison of two immunoassays was performed in 40 samples. Clinical comparisons were conducted against each other for the binary determination of “abnormal/normal” elastase levels and the three-way determination of “severe/moderate/no” EPI in 56 samples. The indirect comparison method used external quality assessment (EQA) data to compare the monoclonal and polyclonal immunoassays for PE, and additionally compare the monoclonal ScheBo ELISA to a monoclonal chemiluminescence immunoassay (“DiaSorin CLIA”). Results: Precision in the series and intra-laboratory precision for Bühlmann PETIA met the manufacturer’s specifications for the concentration range of limit/lower values and the range of normal values. The Bühlmann PETIA immunoassay on different analytical platforms yielded comparable results and nearly perfect agreement in the case of three-way classification (kappa = 0.89 with 95%CI from 0.79 to 1.00. ScheBo ELISA tends to generate higher values of pancreatic elastase than the Bühlmann PETIA; agreement between the methods was moderate in the case of binary classification (kappa = 0.43; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.62), and substantial in the case of three-way classification (kappa = 0.62; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.75). EQA data analysis showed a statistically significant difference between ScheBo ELISA and Bühlmann PETIA peer groups (p = 0.031), as well as the DiaSorin CLIA and ScheBo ELISA peer groups (p = 0.010). Conclusion: The ScheBo ELISA and Bühlmann PETIA do not appear to be commutable in the analytical and clinical context. Our data address a discordance between different mono- and polyclonal immunoassays for pancreatic elastase and the potential of misclassification using its universal cut-off values in screening suspected patients for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term HBsAg Titer Kinetics with Entecavir/Tenofovir: Implications for Predicting Functional Cure and Low Levels

by Soon Kyu Lee, Soon Woo Nam, Jeong Won Jang and Jung Hyun Kwon

Diagnostics 2024, 14(5), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14050495 - 25 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1977

Abstract

The long-term kinetics of quantitative HBsAg levels in HBV-infected patients treated with entecavir or tenofovir, as well as the role of quantitative HBsAg in predicting functional cure (HBsAg loss) and low HBsAg levels (<2 log IU/mL) remain unclear. Of some 1661 consecutively enrolled patients newly treated with entecavir or tenofovir, we analyzed 852 patients who underwent serial HBsAg level checks every 6–12 months. The primary outcomes included long-term kinetics in HBsAg levels and the rate of functional cure and achieving low HBsAg levels. Over a mean 6.3-year follow-up, the functional cure rate was 2.28% (n = 19), and 12.9% (n = 108) achieved low HBsAg levels. A significant HBsAg level reduction was seen in the first treatment year (p < 0.05), with another stepwise decrease between year 6–7. These trends were pronounced in patients with chronic hepatitis and HBeAg-positivity compared to those with cirrhosis and HBeAg-negativity, respectively. Baseline HBsAg of ≤3 log IU/mL and the first-year HBsAg reduction were key predictors for both functional cure and low HBsAg levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings elucidate the stepwise reduction in quantitative HBsAg dynamics during high-potency NA therapy (entecavir or tenofovir) along with variations based on different conditions. We also underscore the significance of quantitative HBsAg titer in predicting functional cure and low-HBsAg levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 1637 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diagnosis Based on Population Data versus Personalized Data: The Evolving Paradigm in Laboratory Medicine

by Abdurrahman Coskun

Diagnostics 2024, 14(19), 2135; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14192135 - 25 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1677

Abstract

The diagnosis of diseases is a complex process involving the integration of multiple parameters obtained from various sources, including laboratory findings. The interpretation of laboratory data is inherently comparative, necessitating reliable references for accurate assessment. Different types of references, such as reference intervals, decision limits, action limits, and reference change values, are essential tools in the interpretation of laboratory data. Although these references are used to interpret individual laboratory data, they are typically derived from population data, which raises concerns about their reliability and consequently the accuracy of interpretation of individuals’ laboratory data. The accuracy of diagnosis is critical to all subsequent steps in medical practice, making the estimate of reliable references a priority. For more precise interpretation, references should ideally be derived from an individual’s own data rather than from population averages. This manuscript summarizes the current sources of references used in laboratory data interpretation, examines the references themselves, and discusses the transition from population-based laboratory medicine to personalized laboratory medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 787 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Prognostic Significance of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Nonhematologic Malignancies

by Defne Cigdem Koc, Ion Bogdan Mănescu, Măriuca Mănescu and Minodora Dobreanu

Diagnostics 2024, 14(18), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14182057 - 16 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1363

Abstract

Biomarkers are crucial in cancer diagnostics, prognosis, and surveillance. Extensive research has been dedicated to identifying biomarkers that are broadly applicable across multiple cancer types and can be easily obtained from routine investigations such as blood cell counts. One such biomarker, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), has been established as a prognostic marker in cancer. However, due to the dynamic nature of cancer diagnosis and treatment, periodic updates are necessary to keep abreast of the vast amount of published data. In this review, we searched the PubMed database and analyzed and synthesized recent literature (2018–February 2024) on the role of NLR in predicting clinical outcomes in nonhematologic malignancies. The search was conducted using the PubMed database. We included a total of 88 studies, encompassing 28,050 human subjects, and categorized the findings into four major groups: gastrointestinal cancer, cancers of the urinary tract and reproductive system, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Our analysis confirms that NLR is a reliable prognostic indicator in cancer, and we discuss the specific characteristics, limitations, and exceptions associated with its use. The review concludes with a concise Q&A section, presenting the most relevant take-home messages in response to five key practical questions on this topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI