Is there any hepatic impact associated with rice bran arabinoxylan compound supplementation? A systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC) results from an enzymatic modification of rice bran, which is reported to have immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the hepatic adverse effects of RBAC by assessing the effect through liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In the present study, the Medline (PubMed), Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant publications from the beginning to October 2022. The meta-analysis was based on the Mixed effect model to generate the mean effect sizes in weighted mean differences (WMD) and the 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Chi-squared test, and the analysis of Galbraith plots was applied. Subgroup meta-analysis on five eligible randomized controlled trials (n=239) showed a significant decrease in serum AST regarding RBAC supplementation in powder form (WMD (95%CI)=-3.52 (-5.62,-1.42) U/L; P-value=0.001, I2 (%)=46.9; P heterogeneity=0.170), three months and more supplementation duration (WMD (95%CI)=-3.71 (-5.95,-1.48) U/L; P-value=0.001, I2 (%)=29.9; P heterogeneity=0.240) and studies with a good quality (WMD (95%CI)=-3.52 (-5.62,-1.42) U/L; P-value=0.001, I2 (%)=46.9; P heterogeneity=0.170). In conclusion, RBAC supplementation seems to not have any hepatic adverse effects and its supplementation as powder or for three months and more may decrease serum AST levels. However, we need further studies to confirm the results. CRD42022361002, registration time: 29/09/2022.