Abstract
Aim: We performed this meta-analysis in order to evaluate circulating interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients more accurately and explore its related influencing factors. Methods: The related literature was systematically searched in PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library database (up to 28 March 2018). All data analysis was performed by Stata 12.0 software. Results: The results showed SLE patients had a higher circulating IL-8 levels than normal controls (pooled standardized mean difference = 0.963; 95% CI: 0.416–1.511). Subgroup analyses indicated SLE patients with age <40 years, Asia group and disease duration <10 years had higher IL-8 levels. Conclusion: Compared with normal controls, circulating IL-8 levels in SLE patients are elevated and affected by age, region and disease duration.
Graphical abstract
Acknowledgements
We appreciate the efforts of all the researchers whose articles were included in this study.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number: 81573222). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.
Author’s contributions
Each co-author listed participated sufficiently in the work to take responsibility for the content. All listed authors were involved in the following work: substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published and agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.