Associations between ERAP1 polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis susceptibility: An updated meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
• The role of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) gene polymorphisms in AS pathogenesis is debated.
• Previous studies on ERAP1 polymorphisms and AS have yielded inconsistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the association between ERAP1 polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
• To evaluate the relationship between specific ERAP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and AS risk across different ethnic groups.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed for studies published before June 2014.
• Data from 25 independent studies, including 24,271 AS patients and 42,666 controls, were analyzed.
• Pooled and individual odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess associations.

Main Results:

• Eight ERAP1 SNPs were investigated across the included studies.
• Six SNPs showed a significant association with AS overall.
• In Caucasians, all 8 SNPs were significantly associated with AS, while in Asians, 5 SNPs did not show a statistical association.

Conclusions:

• ERAP1 polymorphisms are significantly associated with ankylosing spondylitis in Caucasian populations.
• The association between ERAP1 polymorphisms and AS in Asian populations requires further investigation.