The association of plasma lipids with white blood cell counts: Results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

A one-standard deviation increment in total cholesterol was associated with 2.8% lower total white blood cell counts in humans.

• Increased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were linked to lower total white blood cell counts and lower counts of specific white blood cell types.
• A one-standard deviation increase in triglyceride levels was associated with higher total white blood cell counts and higher lymphocyte counts.
• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with a modest decrease in total white blood cell counts, but not with significant changes in individual cell types.
• Results remained consistent even after excluding participants on lipid-lowering medication.
• These findings suggest significant associations between plasma lipid levels and white blood cell populations, though the relationships are heterogeneous and modest.

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