How does colchicine use affect neutrophil/lymphocyte, monocyte/lymphocyte, and platelet/lymphocyte ratios in coronary artery disease?

Objective: It is an established medical fact that the reduction of inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis. This reduction of inflammation is an accepted treatment strategy for coronary artery disease (CAD). The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of colchicine, a commonly used anti-inflammatory agent, on inflammatory markers. Method: The study comprised a sample of 122 patients diagnosed with CAD, whose medical records were meticulously reviewed. Ratios of neutrophil/lymphocyte, monocyte/lymphocyte, and platelet/lymphocyte were calculated and recorded. Following a period of six months during which colchicine was administered, a recalculation of the values was performed. Results: Prior to the commencement of treatment, the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (3.99 ± 4.72), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) (0.41 ± 0.42), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (129.6 ± 74.1) were observed. Following treatment, a decrease was observed in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (3.5 ± 3), MLR (0.38 ± 0.28), and PLR (122.6 ± 65). In the post-treatment period, statistically significant decreases were observed NLR, MLR, and PLR compared to pre-treatment levels (p<0.001 for all values). Conclusion: In the present study, a significant decrease in the levels of NLR, MLR and PLR was observed in patients with CAD following the initiation of colchicine treatment.