A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluating the trend of cytokines to vitamin A supplementation in autoimmune diseases

Clin Nutr. 2019 Oct;38(5):2038-2044. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.10.026. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Abstract

Background & aims: Vitamin A is considered as a supplement that effect on autoimmune diseases. We aimed to systematically review the effect of vitamin A on cytokines in patients with autoimmune disease.

Methods: Two researchers searched Scopus and PubMed until May 2018. Researchers extracted data from 6 eligible published papers. Extracted data included the gene expression of the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Results: Fixed effect analysis of the WMD (95% CI) of the changes in gene expression showed that gene expression of the inflammatory (IL-17, IFN-γ and T-bet) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β and FOXP3) cytokines significantly decreased and increased due to vitamin A supplementation in patients with autoimmune (Multiple sclerosis and atherosclerosis) diseases.

Conclusions: Vitamin A supplementation effects on gene expression and may improve serum level of cytokines and clinical signs of autoimmune disease but there is no adequate evidence.

Keywords: Cytokine; Meta-analysis; Systematic review; Vitamin A.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cytokines* / analysis
  • Cytokines* / genetics
  • Cytokines* / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Vitamin A* / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin A* / pharmacology
  • Vitamin A* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Vitamin A