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Updated: Apr 2, 2026

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Association of heme oxygenase-1 polymorphisms with cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Haiqing Luo1, Yiming Shao, Na Yao
1Oncology Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China.
Purpose:
Observational studies have recently focused on the association between heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) gene promoter polymorphisms and cancer risk. However, conflicting results have been obtained. To derive a precise estimate of the association, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.
Methods:
This study followed the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. PubMed, Medline, Embase and Web of Knowledge were systematically searched for relevant studies. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the allelic and genotypic comparisons according to the homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive genetic models. Between-study heterogeneity was quantified through I2 statistics, and publication bias was appraised by using funnel plots. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the meta-analysis findings.
Results:
Meta-analysis of 9 studies involving 2491 cases and 3380 controls did not reveal any significant association of the HMOX-1 (GT)n and 413A>T polymorphisms with cancer risk. Stratified analysis by ethnicity showed a statistically significant association between (GT)n repeat length variant and susceptibility to cancer for the heterozygous genetic model among Asian populations (OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.04-1.95, Pheterogeneity=0.218), which is a robust finding according to sensitivity analysis. Funnel plot inspection did not reveal any publication bias.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study comprehensively examined the available literature on the association of HMOX-1 (GT)n and 413A>T polymorphisms with cancer risk. Meta-analysis results suggest (GT)n repeat length polymorphism as a potential susceptibility variant for cancer in Asians. Additional large-scale and well-designed studies are needed to confirm these results.
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