The role of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and inflammatory markers in the risk stratification of peripheral arterial disease

In recent years, several simple and readily accessible biomarkers have been identified that may reflect metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms involved in cardiovascular risk. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is considered a surrogate marker of insulin resistance and has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerotic disease. Its derived form, the triglyceride-glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), integrates metabolic and anthropometric characteristics, although its clinical interpretation may be more complex. Inflammatory markers derived from routine blood tests, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet count, are indirect indicators of systemic inflammation; however, their specificity remains limited. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic and inflammatory profiles of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and hypertensive controls and to evaluate the predictive value of the TyG index, TyG-BMI, NLR, and platelet count.