The effects of nonsoy legumes consumption on serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers and Adiponectin in overweight/obese adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Nonsoy legumes offer many health benefits, including improved arterial function, reduced cholesterol levels, and better management of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to clarify the inconclusive findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by comprehensively evaluating the effects of nonsoy legumes consumption on serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers and Adiponectin. The search encompassed databases up to January 2024, including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL to retrieve all RCTs examining the effects of nonsoy legumes on inflammatory biomarkers or Adiponectin. The effect sizes quantified as mean differences (MD) and standard deviations (SD) of outcomes, and an overall effect estimate was derived using a random-effects model. RCTs examining serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and Adiponectin were included in the final meta-analysis. Results revealed that consumption of nonsoy legumes increased Adiponectin serum levels (P=.0017) and reduced IL-1β serum levels (P<.0001). However, it may not significantly affect CRP (P=.2951), IL-6 (P=.2286), and TNF-α (P=.6661) levels. Subgroup analyses showed that nonsoy legumes consumption significantly decreased TNF-α serum levels in studies involving healthy participants. Additionally, sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method suggested a potential significant reduction in serum levels of IL-6. This study indicates that consuming nonsoy legumes can increase levels of Adiponectin and decrease serum levels of IL-1β in overweight or obese adults.