Predictive value of adipokines for the severity of acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis 

Background: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a dangerous condition with a high mortality rate. Many studies have found an association between adipokines and the development of SAP, but the results are controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of the association of inflammatory adipokines with SAP. Methods We screened PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for articles on adipokines and SAP published before March 2, 2023. The quality of the literature was assessed using QUADAS criteria. Standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the combined effect. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias tests were also performed on the information obtained. Result Fifteen eligible studies included 936 patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Pooled analysis showed that patients with SAP had significantly higher levels of circulating resistin (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI:0.15 to 0.94, z = 2.70, P = 0.007). The difference in circulating leptin and adiponectin levels between SAP and MAP patients was not significant (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI: -0.11 to 0.73, z = 1.44, P = 0.149 and SMD = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.16, z = 0.57, P = 0.570). Subgroup analyses identified mean age of the patients as possible sources of circulating resistin level heterogeneity. Conclusion Elevated levels of circulating resistin levels are associated with the development of SAP. Resistin may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SAP. However, the age of the patient may influence these results.