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Association between the IL7R T244I polymorphism and multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis.
Ruijie Zhang1, Lian Duan, Yongshuai Jiang
1College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China. zhangruijie2009@yahoo.com.cn
Molecular Biology Reports
|December 17, 2010
Summary
This meta-analysis confirms the interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) T244I polymorphism is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. The C-allele and C/C genotype show a significant association with MS risk.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Conflicting results exist regarding the association between the IL7R T244I polymorphism (rs6897932) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
- A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to clarify this association and its effect size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the association between the IL7R T244I polymorphism and MS.
- To investigate the effect size of this genetic polymorphism on MS susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was performed on 10 studies from PubMed, including 12,185 MS patients and 15,855 controls.
- Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the C-allele, C/C genotype (recessive), and C/C + C/T genotype (dominant).
- Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used, and publication bias was assessed via funnel plots. A European subgroup analysis was also conducted.
Main Results:
- The C-allele and C/C genotype were significantly associated with MS (OR=1.11, P=0.001; OR=1.15, P=0.0009, respectively) using a random-effects model.
- The C/C + C/T genotype also showed association with MS (OR=1.15, P=0.003) via a fixed-effects model.
- The European subgroup analysis revealed a strong association (P < 0.00001 for allele and C/C genotype; P=0.0004 for C/C+C/T genotype) with no heterogeneity observed.
Conclusions:
- The meta-analysis demonstrates a significant association between the IL7R T244I polymorphism and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis.
- This genetic variant contributes to MS risk, particularly within European populations.
- The findings help clarify previous conflicting results and provide robust evidence for the IL7R T244I polymorphism's role in MS pathogenesis.
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