Association between TGF-β1 +869C/T polymorphism and fracture risk: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Orthopedics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between the Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) +869C/T polymorphism and fracture risk is not definitively established.
• Previous studies have yielded conflicting results, necessitating a comprehensive analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis to clarify the association between the TGF-β1 +869C/T polymorphism and the risk of fractures.
• To investigate potential differences in this association based on gender and race.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Wangfang databases for relevant studies published before August 2014.
• Meta-analysis techniques, using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were employed to assess the strength of the association.
• Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gender and race.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included ten studies, revealing a significant overall association between the TGF-β1 +869C/T polymorphism and an increased risk of fracture (OR=1.41; 95% CI, 1.20-1.65).
• Subgroup analysis by gender indicated a significant association in women (OR=1.44; 95% CI, 1.20-1.73).
• Subgroup analysis by race showed increased fracture risk in both Asians (OR=1.43; 95% CI, 1.06-1.92) and Caucasians (OR=1.44; 95% CI, 1.13-1.85).

Conclusions:

• The TGF-β1 +869C/T polymorphism is suggested to be a risk factor for developing fractures.
• This genetic variant may contribute to fracture susceptibility across diverse populations, including women, Asians, and Caucasians.