Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Post-operative Complications Following Major Gastrointestinal Surgery: a...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Surgical Oncology
• Genomic Medicine

Background:

• The human genome's role in pre-operative risk stratification remains under-researched.
• Previous studies on genetic polymorphisms and post-operative complications in gastrointestinal surgery show varied results.
• A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to clarify these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their association with post-operative complications.
• To provide clarity on the existing, often conflicting, research in this area.
• To investigate the link between genetic variations and outcomes in major gastrointestinal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Literature search conducted on Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science.
• Inclusion criteria focused on genetic polymorphisms and post-operative complications in major gastrointestinal surgery.
• Quality assessment using STrengthening the REporting of Genetic Association Studies (STREGA) guidelines.
• Meta-analysis performed specifically on TNF-α-308 polymorphism.

Main Results:

• Five studies, investigating 22 SNPs related to inflammation, were included from 68 initial papers.
• Statistically significant associations were observed for TNF-α-308, IL-10-819, PTGS2-765, and IFN-γ-874.
• A meta-analysis of TNF-α-308 and post-operative infection yielded an Odds Ratio (OR) of 1.18 (95% CI 0.27-5.21).
• Significant variability in study quality and methodology was noted.

Conclusions:

• Biologically plausible associations exist between inflammatory SNPs and post-operative infection.
• Current data is limited and of insufficient quality for definitive conclusions.
• Further research, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), is recommended.