Association of ERCC1 Polymorphisms with the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

The ERCC1 enzyme in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway plays a vital role in DNA repair. Numerous epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between ERCC1 polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), with conflicting results. To evaluate the potential associations, we conducted a meta-analysis. Eligible studies were identified by searching electronic databases. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to assess the associations between ERCC1 polymorphisms and CRC risk. The meta-analysis results revealed significant associations between ERCC1 rs3212986 and rs2298881 polymorphisms and CRC risk (rs3212986 GG vs CC: OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.13-2.44; CG vs CC: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.82-1.55; the dominant model: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.86-1.71; the recessive model: OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.09-2.31; rs2298881 CC vs. AA: OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.29-3.23; AC vs. AA: OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.91-1.56; the dominant model: OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04-1.72; the recessive model: OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.22-3.00). However, no association with CRC risk was identified for ERCC1 polymorphisms rs11615 and rs2276466. In conclusion, these findings identified no association between rs11615 and rs2276466 polymorphisms and CRC susceptibility, but the data indicate that ERCC1 rs3212986 and rs2298881 polymorphisms may increase susceptibility to CRC. Large and well-designed studies are needed to further validate our findings.