Chemokines in Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

Background A growing number of studies found inconsistent results on the role of chemokines in the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and prediabetes (PDM). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize the results of previous studies on the association between the chemokines system and T2DM/PDM. Methods We searched in the databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library, for eligible studies published not later than March 1, 2020. Data extraction was performed independently by 2 reviewers, on a standardized, prepiloted form. Group differences in chemokines concentrations were summarized using the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), calculated by performing a meta-analysis using the random-effects model. Results We identified 98 relevant studies that investigated the association between 32 different chemokines and T2DM/PDM. Altogether, these studies involved 14,708 patients and 14,574 controls. Results showed that the concentrations of CCL1, CCL2, CCL4, CCL5, CCL11, CXCL8, CXCL10 and CX3CL1 in the T2DM patients were significantly higher than that in the controls, while no difference in these concentrations was found between the PDM patients and controls. Conclusion Progression of T2DM may be associated with elevated concentrations of chemokines. Meta-Analysis Registration PROSPERO, identifier CRD42019148305.

Automated summary

This meta-analysis summarized the results of previous studies on the association between the chemokines system and T2DM/PDM. The findings revealed that concentrations of certain chemokines were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared to controls, while no difference was found in PDM patients.