Effects of Glutamine on Burn Parameters: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

Burn injuries trigger an intense hypermetabolic, inflammatory, and immunological response, often associated with increased risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and higher mortality. Glutamine, an amino acid considered conditionally essential during metabolic stress, has been investigated as a therapeutic strategy capable of modulating the inflammatory response, preserving intestinal barrier integrity, supporting immune function, and improving tissue repair. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence from experimental studies in rodents regarding the effects of glutamine supplementation in burn and scald models. Studies conducted in rats or mice that assess outcomes related to wound healing, inflammation, oxidative stress, mortality, immunological parameters, and biochemical markers will be included. The search will be performed in ScienceDirect, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE, using controlled descriptors and free terms related to glutamine, burns, and animal models. Study selection will follow predefined eligibility criteria, with risk of bias assessment and standardized data extraction. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and to provide support for the translation of experimental knowledge into future clinical approaches for the management of burn patients.