The -2518A/G Polymorphism in the MCP-1 Gene and Tuberculosis Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background

The -2518A/G polymorphism in the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) gene has been implicated in the susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB), but the results are not conclusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the -2518A/G polymorphism in the MCP-1 gene and the risk of tuberculosis by meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang databases, covering all studies until April 29^th, 2011. Statistical analyses were performed using the Revman4.2 and STATA10.0 software.

Results

A total of 5341 cases and 6075 controls in 13 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that the GG homozygote carriers had a 67% increased risk of TB compared with the A allele carriers (GG vs. GA+AA: OR?=?1.67, 95%CI?=?1.25–2.23, P?=?0.0006). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant elevated risks were found in Asians and Latinos, but not in Africans (GG vs. GA+AA: OR?=?1.79, 95%CI?=?1.19–2.70 and P?=?0.005 for Asians; OR?=?2.15, 95%CI?=?1.32–3.51 and P?=?0.002 for Latinos; OR?=?1.28, 95%CI?=?0.45–3.64 and P?=?0.65 for Africans).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that the -2518A/G polymorphism of MCP-1 gene would be a risk factor for TB in Asians and Latinos, while not in Africans.