Association between adipocytokines and diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes. The adipocytokines are closely associated with the occurrence and development of diabetes and its related complications. Literature confirms that the level of adiponectin in patients with DR is significantly higher; however, the relationship between other adipocytokines (leptin, chemerin, apelin, and omentin-1) and DR remains unclear.Aim: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the association between adipocytokines (leptin, chemerin, apelin, and omentin-1) and DR.Methods The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO and Willy databases were used to search for potential studies with keywords such as diabetic retinopathy or DR in combination with the terms leptin, chemerin, apelin or omentin-1 in the search titles or abstracts. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined as the results of the meta-analysis.Results: After screening, 18 articles were included in the meta-analysis including 750 DR cases and 993 controls. Leptin and chemerin levels in patients with DR were significantly higher than those in the control group (SMD: 0.68, 95% CI [0.1, 1.26]; SMD: 0.79, 95% CI [0.35, 1.23]). The omentin-1 levels in patients with DR were significantly lower than those in the controls (SMD: -0.85, 95% CI [-1.08, -0.62]).Conclusions:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to evaluate the leptin, chemerin, apelin, and omentin-1 levels in patients with DR. Further high-quality studies are warranted to support the association between these adipocytokines and DR.

Automated summary

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is closely associated with adipocytokines. Previous studies have shown that levels of leptin and chemerin are higher in DR patients compared to controls, while omentin-1 levels are lower. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these associations.