Intestinal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (I-FABP) As A Biomarker for Celiac ‎Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • Authors

    • Ahmed Naseer Kaftan Biochemistry department, faculty of Medicine, Kufa University, Najaf, Iraq
    • Layth A. AL-fahham Biochemistry department, faculty of Medicine, Kufa University, Najaf, Iraq
    • Baraa A. Hadi Biochemistry department, faculty of Medicine, Kufa University, Najaf, Iraq
    • Ali M. Omara Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Ameed University, Karbala, Iraq
    • Ali B. Abdulrazzaq Biochemistry department, faculty of Medicine, Kufa University, Najaf, Iraq
    https://doi.org/10.14419/7fm9xs28

    Received date: July 21, 2025

    Accepted date: September 12, 2025

    Published date: October 7, 2025

  • Celiac Disease; Intestinal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (I-FABP)‎.

  • Abstract

    Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an immune ‎response to gluten, leading to intestinal damage. Traditional diagnostic approaches, including ‎serological tests and duodenal biopsy, have limitations in sensitivity, invasiveness, and ‎monitoring disease activity. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) has emerged as a ‎promising non-invasive biomarker for enterocyte injury in CD. ‎

    Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ‎Web of Science, and Cochrane Library following PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing I-FABP levels in CD patients and controls, as well as pre- and post-GFD, were included. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed via I² ‎statistics and publication bias evaluated through funnel plots and Egger’s test. This study was ‎prospectively registered in PROSPERO (ID 654883) to ensure transparency and methodological ‎rigor.‎

    Results: A total of 12 studies (n = 1496) were included. CD patients exhibited significantly ‎higher I-FABP levels compared to controls (SMD = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.82–1.53, p < 0.01). Post-GFD, I-FABP levels showed a significant reduction (SMD = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.60–1.81, p < ‎‎0.01), supporting its role in monitoring mucosal healing. Heterogeneity was high (I² > 80%), ‎indicating study variability. ‎

    Conclusion: I-FABP is a reliable biomarker for CD diagnosis and treatment monitoring. ‎Standardized assay protocols and longitudinal studies are recommended to optimize its clinical ‎application‎.

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  • How to Cite

    Kaftan , A. N. ., AL-fahham, L. A., Hadi , B. A., Omara , A. M., & Abdulrazzaq, A. B. (2025). Intestinal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (I-FABP) As A Biomarker for Celiac ‎Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(6), 99-106. https://doi.org/10.14419/7fm9xs28