Essential Trace Element Status in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Meta-analysis Based on Case-Control Studies

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #trace-elements #zinc #copper #selenium

Essential Trace Element Status in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Meta-analysis Based on Case-Control Studies

Wang et al., 2023 | Biol Trace Elem Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Hua, Li Xian-Bao, ... Li Bao-Zhu. Essential Trace Element Status in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Meta-analysis Based on Case-Control Studies. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2023-May;201(5):2170-2182. doi:10.1007/s12011-022-03335-y

Abstract

The homeostasis of trace elements is essential to regulate different aspects of the immune system and might play important roles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, epidemiological evidences that compared the level of essential trace elements in SLE patients and healthy controls (HCs) did not reach a consensus. This was the first meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the level of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) in SLE and HCs. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched until April 2022 to find relevant literatures. The PRISMA statement 2020 was followed to make sure the quality of reporting a meta-analysis. The outcomes were assessed by pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Finally, eleven articles with 1262 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Significantly lower levels of Zn (SMD = -0.709; 95% CI: -1.173, -0.245; P = 0.003) and Fe (SMD = -1.783; 95% CI: -2.756, -0.809; P = 0.000) were found in SLE compared with HCs. Higher levels of Cu (SMD = 0.808; 95% CI: 0.234, 1.382; P = 0.006) were found in SLE patients. In addition, compared with HCs, Fe and Zn were lower in SLE patients in Asia and Cu was higher in SLE patients in Europe. However, no significant difference was observed in the level of Se (SMD = -0.251; 95% CI: -1.087, 0.586; P = 0.557). Above all, SLE patients exhibited lower Zn and Fe and increased Cu concentrations compared with HCs. Further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanism of Zn, Cu, and Fe in SLE patients.

Key Findings

Further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanism of Zn, Cu, and Fe in SLE patients.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1262
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Trace Elements
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Selenium
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
  • Case-Control Studies

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, Journal Article
  • Vertical: iron

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09