The effect of low-carbohydrate diets on serum concentration of soluble adhesion molecules: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Therapeutic potential of low carbohydrate diets (LCDs) in numerous pathological conditions such as endothelial dysfunction can open new strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. So, we aimed to pooled up the effect of LCDs on circulating intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), E-selectin, and P-selectin, in adults. The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus were comprehensively searched up to February 2024, to find out relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs). To compare mean changes in adhesion molecules between intervention and comparison groups, a random-effects model was used. Nine publications with 333 participants were eligible to be included in this study. The pooled results showed that LCDs significantly reduced E-selectin concentrations in comparison with control (WMD: -3.95 ng/mL; 95% CI: -6.42 to -1.47; P = 0.002) without heterogeneity (Cochrane's Q test, p = 0.731, I² = 0.0%). However, no significant effect on other adhesion molecules (ICAM, VCAM, or P-selectin) was found in the analyses. LCDs may reduce serum E-selectin, while no significant effects were observed for other adhesion molecules. Given limited studies, dietary heterogeneity, and sensitivity analyses, findings should be interpreted cautiously. Further well-designed trials with clearly defined macronutrient composition are required to confirm associations.