Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The Single-Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE), a non-invasive index calculated via 600 × HDL-C^0.185 / (TG^0.2 × BMI^1.338), offers a practical alternative. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the accuracy of SPISE as an indicator for MetS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. We searched databases such as MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, focusing on studies evaluating SPISE's screening accuracy for MetS. Eligible studies were observational, reporting mean SPISE values and its predictive performance. Meta-analyses were performed using Hedges' g standardized mean differences (SMD) and pooled area under the curve (AUC) estimates. Seven studies comprising 12,919 participants were included, with an age range of 9.2 ± 2.1 to 52.4 ± 11.0. Individuals with MetS had significantly lower SPISE scores than controls (SMD = -0.94, 95% CI: -1.25 to -0.63). The pooled AUC for SPISE as a predictor of MetS was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83 to 0.90), surpassing other insulin resistance indices like HOMA-IR and the triglyceride/HDL-C ratio. Meta-regression showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure were potential sources of heterogeneity and age, gender, BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and HDL did not contribute to heterogeneity. SPISE is a highly accurate and non-invasive tool for predicting MetS, potentially outperforming traditional indices like HOMA-IR. Its ease of use and precision make it a valuable clinical screening tool, especially in diverse populations.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial tissue transformation and fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation. Galectin-3 is gaining attention as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for RA diagnosis. Elevated levels of Galectin-3 cause RA[1]FLSs to stimulate and generate proinflammatory agents, contributing to cartilage degradation and osteoclast formation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate published evidence and support future investigation of Galectin-3 as an early biomarker for RA. A systematic search was performed through four databases, including PubMed, the Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, to find the studies examining Galectin-3 in individuals with RA compared to healthy controls. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Random-effects meta-analysis comparing serum/plasma Galectin-3 levels between individuals with RA and healthy control groups was performed to determine the standardized mean differences (SMD) along with 95% confidence intervals. Following the initial search, studies went through screening. 12 studies, involving 773 patients with RA and 411 healthy controls, were included. Meta-analysis of the included studies revealed that individuals with RA had significantly higher levels of circulatory Galectin-3 compared to healthy control groups (SMD 0.957, 95% CI 0.393 to 1.520). Univariable meta-regression showed no significant association between age, publication year, sample size, or the male percentage with effect size. According to the results, Galectin-3 might be useful as a biomarker for RA. To support these findings, further investigations of Galectin-3 as a possible early biomarker of RA is necessary.

Metformin is a cornerstone treatment for diabetes that has demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects. Studies in animals and humans supported metfo