Published in:
01-06-2012
Polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 Gene and Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility: A Meta-analysis
Published in: Journal of Clinical Immunology | Issue 3/2012
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Introduction
The +49A/G polymorphism and CT60 polymorphism in the CTLA-4 gene have been extensively examined for the association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, results of different studies have been inconclusive. The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the genetic risks of +49A/G and CT60 polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene for RA.
Methods
A meta-analysis was carried out to analyze the association of +49A/G and CT60 polymorphisms with RA risk.
Results
A total of 30 case–control studies in 20 articles were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that the variant G allele carriers (GG + GA) of +49A/G polymorphism had an 18% increased risk of RA when compared with the homozygote AA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.34 for GG + AG vs. AA). In addition, the variant CT60 A allele carriers of CT60 polymorphism had a 14% decreased risk of RA when compared with the homozygote GG (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.78–0.95 for AA + AG vs. GG). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant elevated RA risks were associated with +49G allele carriers in Asians, but not in Europeans. However, for CT60 polymorphism, significant decreased RA risks were associated with CT60 A allele carriers in Europeans, but not in Asians.
Conclusions
This meta-analysis suggested that the +49A/G and CT60 polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene may be risk factors for RA.