03-01-2024 | Acarbose | Review
The effect of acarbose on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors:
Ali Mohammadian, Sahand Tehrani Fateh, Mahlagha Nikbaf-Shandiz, Fatemeh Gholami, Niloufar Rasaei, Hossein Bahari, Samira Rastgoo, Reza Bagheri, Farideh Shiraseb, Omid Asbaghi
Published in:
Inflammopharmacology
|
Issue 1/2024
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Abstract
Background
Although a large number of trials have observed an anti-inflammatory property of acarbose, the currently available research remains controversial regarding its beneficial health effects. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acarbose on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines in adults.
Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched until April 2023 using relevant keywords. The mean difference (MD) of any effect was calculated using a random-effects model. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated via the random-effects model.
Results
The current meta-analysis of data comprised a total of 19 RCTs. Meta-analysis showed that acarbose significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (weighted mean difference [WMD]) = − 4.16 pg/ml, 95% confidence interval (CI) − 6.58, − 1.74; P = 0.001) while increasing adiponectin (WMD = 0.79 ng/ml, 95% CI 0.02, 1.55; P = 0.044). However, the effects of acarbose on TNF-α concentrations were observed in studies with intervention doses ≥ 300 mg/d (WMD = − 4.09; 95% CI − 7.00, − 1.18; P = 0.006), and the adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher (WMD = 1.03 ng/ml, 95%CI 0.19, 1.87; P = 0.016) in studies in which the duration of intervention was less than 24 weeks. No significant effect was seen for C-reactive protein (CRP; P = 0.134), interleukin-6 (IL-6; P = 0.204), and leptin (P = 0.576).
Conclusion
Acarbose had beneficial effects on reducing inflammation and increasing adiponectin. In this way, it may prevent the development of chronic diseases related to inflammation. However, more studies are needed.