The Association between Circulating Adipocytokine Omentin Levels and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver condition worldwide. NAFLD is often associated with features of Metabolic Syndrome such as obesity and insulin resistance.

Methods: The current comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between circulating Omentin levels and NAFLD. A systematic search in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases was conducted to identify relevant studies up until 5th May 2022. The standard mean difference (SMD) values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for the association of Omentin levels with NAFLD risk in a random effect model.

Results: The meta-analysis involved 6 case-control studies with a total of 371 cases and 269 controls. Pooled SMD showed no significant difference in serum Omentin between NAFLD and healthy groups (SMD= -0.047 and 95% CI -0.957_0.862 P=0.91). Subgroup analysis based on sample size showed that the average Omentin levels were significantly higher in NAFLD patients in studies with sample size ≥70 (SMD=0.356 CI 0.056_0.655 P=0.02).

Conclusion: Additional well-designed studies with more sample sizes are essential to clarify the potential role of Omentin as a risk marker of NAFLD.

Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; adipocytokines.; adipokine; meta-analysis; metabolic syndrome; omentin.