Work

Exploring the retention of soluble Fas protein in kidney dysfunction and its link to inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: According to recent studies, serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels are related to inflammatory markers, cardiovascular disease, anemia, and kidney dysfunction. The present study analyzes the association between sFas, inflammatory markers, and kidney dysfunction. METHODS: This meta-analysis was conducted using the R program, along with a systematic review that employed the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines to assess risk of bias in observational studies. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and SciELO electronic databases were used. Search filters were applied to include all articles in English. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test, τ2 (tau-squared), and the I2 statistic, and a random-effects model (DerSimonian-Laird method) was applied due to the presence of moderate heterogeneity among the included cohort studies. RESULTS: The systematic review and meta-analysis comprised 24 articles, which presented a significant risk of bias. Among the selected cohort studies, 1,449 patients had kidney dysfunction. Of these, 512 (57%) were men. The mean serum creatinine, IL-6, C-reactive protein, and sFas values (8.635 pg/mL and 3.206 pg/mL) were higher in patients with kidney dysfunction. There were also positive correlations between serum sFas, IL-6 levels, and creatinine. These findings suggest a potential role of sFas in inflammation and the progression of kidney diseases. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that sFas is a uremic retention solute associated with inflammation. Further research is crucial to confirm sFas as a biomarker or its role as a uremic toxin.

Source: Brazilian Journal of Nephrology

DOI: 10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2025-0146en