Association between tumor necrosis factor α and uterine fibroids: A protocol of systematic review

BACKGROUND: This study will explore the association between tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and uterine fibroids (UFs). METHODS: We will retrieve electronic databases in Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, WANGFANG, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to the present. All potential case-controlled studies investigating the association between TNF-α and UFs will be included in this study. Two researchers will independently select literature, appraise study quality, and extract outcome data. We will utilize a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model to synthesize outcome data. All data analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: The present study will supply high-quality synthesis and/or descriptive analysis of the recent evidence to explore the association between TNF-α and UFs. CONCLUSION: This study will exert evidence to determine whether or not TNF-α is associated with UFs. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202070010.