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Diagnostic Pathology
Published in: Diagnostic Pathology 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Original article

Relationship between homocysteine level and diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Chong Xu, Yan Wu, Guodong Liu, Xiaoqiang Liu, Fang Wang, Jing Yu

Published in: Diagnostic Pathology | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

The relationship between homocysteine (Hcy) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains unclear to date. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on the relationship between Hcy level and DR.

Methods

Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases until 5 May, 2014.

Results

A total of 31 studies involving 6,394 participants were included in the meta-analysis. After pooling the data from each included study, the blood Hcy concentration in the DR group was observed to be higher than that in the control group [WMD = 2.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.70-3.40], and diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with hyperhomocysteinemia were at a risk for DR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.46-2.53]. Considering the different DM types, hyperhomocysteinemia in T1DM (OR = 1.83, 95% CI, 1.28-2.62) was associated with DR rather than in T2DM (OR = 1.59, 95% CI, 0.72-3.51). Considerable statistical heterogeneity in the overall summary estimates was partly explained by the geographical differences.

Conclusions

Results from this current meta-analysis indicate that hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for DR, especially proliferative DR. Differences between geographical regions were observed in the relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia with T1DM risk. Given the heterogeneous results, the relationship between high Hcy and DR needs further investigation.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://​www.​diagnosticpathol​ogy.​diagnomx.​eu/​vs/​13000_​2014_​167
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Relationship between homocysteine level and diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Chong Xu
Yan Wu
Guodong Liu
Xiaoqiang Liu
Fang Wang
Jing Yu
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Diagnostic Pathology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1746-1596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13000-014-0167-y

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