Circulating Fetuin-A concentrations in rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Rheumatology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Rheumatic diseases (RDs) encompass diverse disabling conditions.
• Research is exploring biomarkers for early diagnosis and management of RDs.
• Fetuin-A (FtA), a liver-synthesized glycoprotein, is investigated as a potential biomarker.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze Fetuin-A (FtA) concentrations in patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs).
• To assess the potential of FtA as a biomarker for RDs.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
• Inclusion of 19 studies (13 from database search, 6 from reference hand-search).
• Meta-analysis of Fetuin-A concentrations in RD patients versus healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Significant decrease in FtA concentrations observed in RD patients (SMD = -0.91, p = 0.001).
• No substantial individual study contribution or publication bias detected.
• Effect size associated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lipid fractions, geographical area, study design, and RD type.

Conclusions:

• Significant reductions in FtA concentrations are identified in RD patients compared to healthy controls.
• Alterations in FtA levels are linked to specific study and patient characteristics.
• Further research is needed to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and FtA's diagnostic/management utility in RDs.