A meta-analysis of the association between RBP4 rs3758539 genotype and metabolic syndrome factors

Aim: To explore the link between the RBP4 rs3758539 genotype and metabolic syndrome risk factors and whether the impact of this genetic variation displays any potential race discrepancy. Materials and Methods: This meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42023407999). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Airiti Library and CINAHL databases were used for the study search until October 2023. We evaluated the methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and determined the correlation using a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: The results indicated that individuals with the rs3758539 GA/AA genotype had a higher risk profile, including lower high-density lipoprotein levels [correlation: -0.045, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.080 to -0.009, p = .015, I-2 = 46.9%] and higher body mass index (correlation: 0.117, 95% CI: 0.036-0.197, p = .005, I-2 = 82.0%), body fat (correlation: 0.098, 95% CI: 0.004-0.191, p = .041, I-2 = 64.0%), and low-density lipoprotein levels (correlation: 0.074, 95% CI: 0.010-0.139, p = .024, I-2 = 0%), of developing metabolic syndrome than those with the GG genotype. The subgroup analysis maintained a significantly positive correlation between the rs3758539 GA/AA genotype and body mass index (correlation: 0.163, 95% CI: 0.031-0.289, p = .016, I-2 = 88.9%) but a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein levels (correlation: -0.047, 95% CI: -0.087 to -0.006, p = .025, I-2 = 65.7%) in the Asian group only. Conclusion: The current meta-analysis supports a significant link between the RBP4 rs3758539 GA/AA genotype and the metabolic syndrome.