The mean platelet volume and atherosclerotic cardiovascular-risk factors in adults with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and is associated with altered platelet function. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is a rapid measure of platelet activation and a prognostic marker in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, no meta-analysis on the association between MPV and obesity has been conducted, and the value of monitoring the MPV in patients with obesity remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To provide cumulative evidence on whether the mean platelet volume (MPV) is increased in individuals with obesity and to describe associations between the ASCVD-risk factors and the MPV in individuals with obesity. METHODS: This meta-analysis was prepared following the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies (MOOSE) guidelines. We searched the PubMed and Embase database from inception until the 31st of March 2021. Studies were included when they reported the mean platelet volume in individuals with obesity and provided a suitable non-obese comparator group. The risk of bias was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was the MPV, while we considered the atherosclerotic risk profiles as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: We identified 178 citations through the PUBMED and 255 citations through EMBASE database search. In all, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Firstly, we report an increased mean platelet volume in individuals with obesity compared to non-obese individuals (MD 0.79; [95%CI: 0.42 to 1.16], I2 = 93.4%). Moreover, the reported increase in the MPV was inversely associated with the body mass index (Coefficient: -0.57, standard error (SE): 0.18, p < 0.001) and directly related to changes in triglyceride levels (Coefficient: 4.99, standard error (SE): 1.14, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis and meta-regression showed an increased MPV in nondiabetic individuals living with obesity. Moreover, the MPV was associated with hypertriglyceridemia, an independent predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Overall, the findings suggest that MPV may be a valuable rapid marker for the monitoring and risk-stratification of individuals with obesity who may be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-022-00541-8.