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Potential association between elevated serum human epididymis protein 4 and renal fibrosis: A systemic review and

Peipei Chen1, Qiao Yang, Xuemei Li

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, CAMS and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China.

Medicine
|September 9, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elevated serum Human Epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is associated with renal fibrosis. This meta-analysis confirms HE4 as a potential biomarker for kidney fibrosis diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Biomarkers
  • Fibrosis Research

Background:

  • Human Epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is implicated in renal fibrosis by inhibiting collagen degradation.
  • Its role as a predictive biomarker for renal fibrosis is debated.
  • HE4 is upregulated in fibrosis-associated myofibroblasts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the association between circulating HE4 and renal fibrosis.
  • To clarify the predictive value of HE4 in the context of renal fibrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search of multiple databases for studies investigating serum HE4 in renal fibrosis until January 2017.
  • Meta-analysis of 5 studies involving 460 participants using standardized mean difference (SMD).
  • Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess heterogeneity.

Main Results:

  • Elevated serum HE4 levels were significantly associated with the diagnosis of renal fibrosis (SMD = 1.41; 95% CI, 0.82-2.01; P < .001).
  • The results were statistically robust and consistent across sensitivity analyses.
  • A positive association between circulating HE4 and renal fibrosis was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating HE4 shows a positive association with renal fibrosis.
  • HE4 may serve as a valuable biomarker for renal fibrosis.
  • Further research is warranted to explore HE4's response to interventions and its biomarker utility.

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