Association between PLCE1 rs2274223 A > G polymorphism and cancer risk: proof from a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) is implicated in cell growth, differentiation, and oncogenesis.
• Previous studies on the association between PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphism and cancer risk have yielded inconclusive results.
• A comprehensive meta-analysis is required to consolidate existing evidence and clarify the role of this polymorphism in cancer susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the association between the PLCE1 rs2274223 A > G polymorphism and cancer risk.
• To investigate potential associations in specific cancer types, such as esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cancer (GC).
• To explore subgroup variations based on ethnicity, study quality, sample size, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE).

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was performed on data from 22 studies, encompassing 13188 cancer cases and 14666 controls.
• Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for various genetic models (e.g., G vs. A, GG vs. AA, GA vs. AA, GG/GA vs. AA).
• Stratification analyses were conducted to examine associations within specific subgroups and cancer types.

Main Results:

• The PLCE1 rs2274223 A > G polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of overall cancer.
• Significant associations were observed for ESCC but not for GC.
• The polymorphism showed a stronger association with ESCC risk among Asian subgroups, studies with high quality scores, larger sample sizes (>1000), and those consistent with HWE.

Conclusions:

• The PLCE1 rs2274223 A > G polymorphism may contribute to increased cancer susceptibility, particularly for ESCC.
• The findings suggest a potential role for PLCE1 in the development of esophageal cancer.
• Substantial heterogeneity across studies necessitates further investigation to definitively confirm these associations and their clinical implications.