Background: The detrimental role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) against cardio-metabolic health has been revealed in several previous reports. However, the results of studies regarding the association between AGEs and obesity measurements are inconsistent. In the current meta-analysis, we aimed to quantitatively summarize the results of studies that evaluated the association between circulating and dietary AGEs with obesity measurements among the adult population.
Methods: A systematic search from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus electronic databases until 30 October 2022 retrieved a total of 21,429 observational studies. After duplicate removal, title/abstract screening, and full-text reading by two independent researchers, a final number of 18 manuscripts remained to be included in the meta-analysis.
Results: Those in the highest category of circulating AGEs had ~1.5 kg/m2 reduced BMI compared with those in the lowest AGEs category [weighted mean difference (WMD): -1.485; CI: -2.459, -0.511; p = 0.003], while a nonsignificant increase in BMI was observed in the highest versus lowest category of dietary AGEs (WMD: 0.864, CI: -0.365, 2.094; p = 0.186). Also, lower amounts of circulating AGEs in individuals with obesity versus individuals without obesity were observed (WMD: -57.220, CI: -84.290, -30.149; p < 0.001). AGE type can be considered as a possible source of heterogeneity.
Conclusion: In the current meta-analysis, we observed an inverse association between circulating AGEs and body mass index among adults. Due to low study numbers, further studies are warranted to better elucidate these results.
Keywords: AGEs; BMI - body mass index; cardiovascular disease; obesity; sRAGE level.
Copyright © 2022 Turki Jalil, Alameri, Iqbal Doewes, El-Sehrawy, Ahmad, Ramaiah, Kadhim, Kzar, Sivaraman, Romero-Parra, Ansari and Fakri Mustafa.