Anthrax toxin receptor 2 gene (ANTXR2) rs4333130 is associated with ankylosing spondylitis

Results of recent published studies on the association between the ANTXR2 rs4333130 polymorphism and the risk of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have often been conflicting. To make a more precise estimation of the potential relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. We conducted a comprehensive search in the electronic database of PubMed and Embase to retrieve relevant articles. Nine studies including 14,523 cases and 34,421 controls were finally selected in this meta-analysis. ANTXR2 rs4333130 was significantly associated with a decreased risk of AS (OR=0.87; 95% CI, 0.84-0.90; P<0.00001). In the subgroup analysis by race, ANTXR2 rs4333130 was significantly associated with a decreased risk of AS in both Asian (OR=0.80; 95% CI, 0.65-0.99; P=0.04) and Caucasian (OR=0.87; 95% CI, 0.84-0.90; P<0.00001). In the subgroup analysis by HLA-B27 status, HLA-B27 positive individuals with ANTXR2 rs4333130 showed decreased AS risk (OR=0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.96; P=0.002). However, HLA-B27 negative individuals with this polymorphism did not showed decreased AS risk (OR=0.96; 95% CI, 0.88-1.06; P=0.44). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested a significant association between ANTXR2 rs4333130 polymorphism and AS risk.