Association between TIM-3 polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in T-cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3) have been individually linked to cancer risk.
• Further investigation is needed to confirm the correlation between TIM-3 polymorphisms and human cancer susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between TIM-3 polymorphisms and the risk of developing human cancers.
• To synthesize existing evidence through a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across electronic databases.
• Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality.
• Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 13.0, calculating crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included 4,852 participants (2,229 cases, 2,623 controls).
• TIM-3 SNPs (-1516G/T, -574G/T, +4259T/G) and haplotypes were significantly associated with increased overall cancer risk.
• Subgroup analyses revealed specific associations for individual SNPs with digestive system cancers and hospital-based populations. The GGG haplotype showed a 2.614-fold increased odds of cancer.

Conclusions:

• TIM-3 SNPs (-1516G/T, -574G/T, +4259T/G) and observed haplotypes are associated with an elevated risk of developing human cancers.
• These findings highlight the role of TIM-3 genetic variations in cancer susceptibility.