Women with Abnormal Mammographic Findings and High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio have the Worst Dietary Carbohydrate Quality Index

Abstract

Introduction: There are gaps in knowledge in breast cancer prevention studies focusing on interactions among mammographic findings, inflammation, and diet, especially those related to carbohydrates. Objective: We aimed to verify the association among mammographic findings, inflammatory markers, and carbohydrate quality index (CQI) in women. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 532 women assisted in a healthcare service. The enrolled women were divided into two groups according to their mammographic findings: those without and those with abnormal mammographic findings. Two 24-hour dietary reminders were applied, and CQI was determined based on four components: fibers, glycemic index, ratio between whole and total grains, and ratio between solid and total carbohydrates. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated as an inflammatory marker. Results: There were 178 (33.5%) women with abnormal mammographic findings, and 20 (3.8%) had NLR. There was no association between CQI and mammographic findings and NLR. Women with abnormal mammographic findings and high NLR had lower CQI (p = 0.039) and lower whole total ratio (p = 0.024). Conclusion: Women with abnormal findings and high NLR had worse CQI and worse overall total grain ratio.

Keywords:

• Glycemic index
• carbohydrate quality;
• mammography
• food intake
• inflammation
• neutrophil
• lymphocyte

Authors Contribution

MENDES, ALRF and ROCHA, DC: Data collection, tabulation and interpretation, article writing, critical review. SAMPAIO, HAC: Study conception and design, data interpretation, article writing, critical review. CARIOCA, AAF: Statistical analysis, article writing, critical review. PINHEIRO, LGP and VASQUES, PHD: Study conception and design, article writing, critical review. CACAU, LT: Data collection, data tabulation, article review. BEZERRA, IN: Data tabulation, article writing, critical review. All named authors read and approved the final version.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Nothing to declare.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.