Association between serum amyloid A and obesity: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Emerging evidence indicates an association of the acute-phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) with obesity. Here we review and summarize quantitatively the available data related to this association.


METHODS
PubMed was systematically searched using the terms "serum amyloid A" and "obesity." Eighty-one relevant studies between January 1966 and July 2009 were identified. Of these, only 11 cross-sectional studies and 10 prospective studies with successful interventions met our inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. All analyses were conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Literature pertaining to the relationship between SAA and other inflammatory markers, and the association between SAA and obesity-related disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and insulin resistance was also reviewed.


RESULTS
A strong association between body mass index and SAA levels was found in the 11 cross-sectional studies. The overall correlation coefficient is 0.230 (95% CI 0.160-0.297, P < 0.0005). The ten prospective studies were subsequently analyzed, and the difference in SAA levels before and after weight loss, expressed as standardized mean difference was -0.480 (95% CI -0.678 to -0.283, P < 0.0005). We discuss some potential underlying mechanisms and clinical applications for reducing SAA levels in obesity.
Advanced Institute of NBIC Integrated Drug Discovery and Development, East China Normal University, North Zhongshan Road #3663, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China. ylzhao@imet.ecnu.edu.cn
Yulan
Y
Zhao
Xuelian
X
He
Xuegui
X
Shi
Chengjin
C
Huang
Jie
J
Liu
Shuli
S
Zhou
Chew-Kiat
CK
Heng
D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000685:Serum Amyloid A Protein / Q000378:metabolism*
D000685:Serum Amyloid A Protein