Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality globally, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing a key role in their pathogenesis. SIRT3 (Sirtuin 3), a mitochondrial deacetylase, has emerged as a critical regulator of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, with evidence linking its reduction to the progression of CVDs. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between SIRT3 levels and CVDs in order to elucidate its role in CVD pathogenesis and its potential as a biomarker.
Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase databases was conducted up to August 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies evaluating SIRT3 levels in human patients with CVDs as compared to healthy controls were included.
Results: 8 studies comprising 397 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, SIRT3 levels were found to be significantly lower in individuals with CVDs compared to healthy controls (SMD: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.495-1.662, p = 0.0032). The reduction in SIRT3 levels was most pronounced in hypertension (SMD: 1.82) and dilated cardiomyopathy (SMD: 1.08).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides compelling evidence of gsignificantly reduced SIRT3 levels in CVD patients, highlighting its critical role in cardiovascular diseases. These findings underscore the potential of SIRT3 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in CVDs.
Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; SIRT3; biomarker; meta-analysis; mitochondria.
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, also called cardiovascular diseases, are the leading cause of death worldwide. These conditions often involve damage to small structures inside our cells called mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy. A protein called SIRT3, found in mitochondria, helps protect the mitochondria and reduces harmful stress and damage to cells. Researchers believe that lower levels of SIRT3 may contribute to the development of heart diseases, but research results have not always been clear. In this study, we looked at data from eight earlier research studies that compared SIRT3 levels in people with heart disease and in people without heart disease. We found that individuals with heart disease had lower levels of SIRT3 than healthy individuals. This difference was especially large in people with high blood pressure and in those with a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart muscle. These results suggest that SIRT3 may play an important role in heart health. Our findings suggest that SIRT3 could be a useful marker to detect heart disease early, and possibly develop newer treatments. More research is needed to confirm these results.