Macrophage migration inhibitory factor -173G/C gene polymorphism increases the risk of renal disease: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Nephrology
• Immunology

Background:

• The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) -173G/C (rs755622) gene polymorphism has been implicated in renal disease susceptibility.
• Previous studies on this association have yielded inconclusive results, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between the MIF -173G/C gene polymorphism and the risk of developing renal diseases.
• To explore potential associations with specific populations and clinical outcomes such as glucocorticoid resistance.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, CNKI) up to June 2014.
• Meta-analysis was employed using Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) to assess the association.
• Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA version 11.0 software.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included eight case-control studies with 2755 participants.
• A significant association was found between the MIF -173G/C polymorphism and increased renal disease risk (CC+CG vs GG, OR=1.77; C vs G, OR=3.94).
• Subgroup analyses revealed significant associations in both Asian and Caucasian populations, with varying risk profiles for heterozygotes (CG) in children and homozygotes (CC) in adults. A notable link to glucocorticoid resistance in pediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome was also identified (C vs G, OR: 3.83).

Conclusions:

• The MIF -173G/C gene polymorphism appears to elevate the risk of renal disease, with a pronounced effect observed in children.
• This genetic variation is also associated with an increased risk of glucocorticoid resistance in pediatric patients diagnosed with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.