Effect of chromium supplementation on hs-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

Abstract

Background: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the relationship between chromium supplementation and inflammatory biomarkers levels (hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies raise questions regarding the potential of chromium supplementation to decrease the blood-levels of inflammatory markers, lowering cellular oxidative stress as markers of myocardial infarction; however, the results of the researches are inconclusive.

Methods: The following databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochran Library and Embase databases were systematically searched until April 2020. Analysis was performed using random-effect model.

Results: The pooled findings for biomarkers of inflammation showed that chromium supplementation significantly reduced serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (WMD: -0.87 mg/dL, 95% CI: -1.49, -0.26), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (WMD: -0.97 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.92, -0.01) and chromium insignificantly reduced interleukin -6 (IL-6) (WMD: -0.45 pg/ml, 95% CI: -1.18, 0.29).

Conclusion: Overall, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis imply that chromium supplementation may help to improve biomarkers of inflammation as markers of myocardial infarction.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Chromium; Inflammation; Meta-analysis; Myocardial infarction.