To systematically evaluate the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the risk of albuminuria.
Approach:
Study Selection: Relevant studies were identified through searches in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on observational studies that reported the association between the TyG index and albuminuria.
Quality Assessment: Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) tool.
Statistical Analysis: Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, with subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias assessments conducted.
Key Findings:
A total of 14 studies (13 cross-sectional studies and 1 cohort study) were included, with a combined sample size of 59,148 participants.
A higher TyG index was significantly associated with albuminuria (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.26–4.43).
After excluding one outlier study, the association remained significant (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.48–1.75).
Subgroup analyses showed consistent positive correlations across different populations.
The cohort study indicated an increased risk of new-onset albuminuria with higher TyG index (HR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.37).
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Limited longitudinal evidence regarding the temporal relationship between TyG index and albuminuria.
Potential influence of outlier studies on the results.
Conclusion:
Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to clarify the temporal relationships and potential causality between TyG index and albuminuria.
