Relationship between Meteorin-like and Type 2 diabetes mellitus: An update Meta-analysis

Background Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) is considered as a novel adipokine, which plays an important role in the occurrence and development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In previous meta-analysis, no significant difference in circulating Metrnl levels was found between T2DM patients and normal glucose tolerance individuals. However, these meta-analysis included limited studies, and more studies about Metrnl and T2DM were published recently. Therefore, the association between Metrnl and T2DM remains uncertain. Aim This study aimed to systematically and comprehensively update the relationship between circulating Metrnl levels and T2DM. Methods A systematic search was conducted on the Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, PubMed, and Ovid databases. using the terms “Type 2 diabetes mellitus” in combination with “Metrnl”. Meta-analysis results were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results In total, 17 studies, including 649 patients with T2DM and 396 healthy controls, were included in the meta-analysis.We found that circulating Metrnl levels were lower in patients with T2DM than healthy individuals(SMD:-0.47, 95% CI [-0.98, 0.05]; Prediction interval: [-3.66, 2.73]). Moreover, serum Metrnl levels in patients with T2DM were significantly lower than healthy individuals(SMD: -0.91, 95% CI [-1.60, -0.22]; Prediction interval: [-5.03, 3.21]). Conclusions This study aimed to systematically and comprehensively update the relationship between circulating Metrnl levels and T2DM. A clearer understanding of the role of Metrnl in T2DM could facilitate the development of effective treatments.