Association between polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor gene and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis was performed to clarify whether the two single nucleotide polymorphisms (ApaI and BsmI) in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene conferred susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

A comprehensive literature search in five online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang) was performed to identify studies that analyzed the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and risk of AIS. Observational studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria were selected for meta-analysis. The most appropriate genetic model was identified using a genetic model-free approach. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Five eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis, which involved a total of 717 cases and 554 controls. A statistically significant association was observed between BsmI polymorphism and AIS (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.32, 2.62). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the association between BsmI polymorphism and AIS was significant in Asians (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.56, 2.73) but not in Caucasians (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.23, 2.19). However, the ApaI polymorphism was not associated with AIS. Moreover, no evidence of association between BMD and the two VDR gene polymorphisms was detected.

Meta-analysis of existing data suggested that BsmI was associated with increased risk of AIS in Asian populations. Nevertheless, further studies with rigorous design and more ethnic groups are encouraged to validate our findings. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.