Association between polymorphisms and atopic dermatitis susceptibility: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a significant genetic component.
• Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been implicated in AD susceptibility, but findings across studies are often conflicting.
• A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to consolidate evidence and clarify the association between specific SNPs and AD risk.

Approach:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI).
• Studies reporting on selected polymorphisms in at least three separate investigations were included.
• Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 14.0, with study quality assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Key Points:

• The meta-analysis included 64 studies encompassing 13 genes and 24 SNPs.
• Nine SNPs, including those in FLG, IL-17A, IL-18, TLR2, SPINK5, and IFN-γ, showed a positive correlation with AD susceptibility.
• One SNP in IL-4 was negatively associated with AD susceptibility, while 14 other SNPs showed no significant association.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis identified specific SNPs that may serve as genetic risk factors for atopic dermatitis.
• A single SNP was identified as a potential protective factor against AD.
• The findings provide a valuable reference for the prediction, prevention, and therapeutic strategies for atopic dermatitis.