Meta-analysis of the association between lumican gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to high Myopia

Many studies have evaluated the association between lumican (LUM) gene polymorphisms and high myopia. However, the results remain controversial. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between two common LUM polymorphisms (rs3759223 and rs3759222) and the risk of high myopia.

A comprehensive literature search for studies published up until September of 2013 was performed. Data were extracted independently by two investigators, and the weighted Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for the associations were obtained by using a random-effects model.

Eight studies (1425cases and 1271 controls) were identified for the analysis of the association between rs3759223 polymorphism and high myopia. The results indicated that rs3759223 polymorphism was associated with high myopia under a recessive model (OR = 1.71, 95%CI 1.04-2.81). Further subgroup analysis indicated that this polymorphism was associated with high myopia among Chinese people in the additive model (OR = 1.17, 95%CI 1.06-1.29) and a recessive model (OR = 1.75, 95%CI 1.00-3.06) with control group coming from hospital based population. Four studies (1024 cases and 1163 controls) were identified for the analysis of the association between rs3759222 polymorphism and high myopia. The results indicated that rs3759222 polymorphism was not associated with high myopia in all genetic models, even the subgroup analysis couldn't provide relative proof to assure the outcome.

This meta-analysis suggests that LUM polymorphisms are associated with the risk of high myopia. However, well-designed studies with larger sample sizes and more ethnic groups are required to further validate this association.