STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism contributes to the risk of type 1 diabetes: a meta analysis

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) rs7574865 polymorphism has been indicated to be correlated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) susceptibility, but study results are still debatable. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted. The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Web of Science (ISI) were searched to find eligible studies. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A significant association was found between STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism and T1D risk (OR=1.30; 95% CI, 1.13-1.48; P<0.01; I(2) =73%). Significant associations were also found in Asians (OR=1.33; 95% CI, 1.04-1.71; P=0.02; I(2) =60%) and Caucasians (OR=1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.47; P<0.01; I(2) =74%), respectively. This association was also positive in the pediatric patients (OR=1.41; 95% CI, 1.19-1.68; P<0.01; I(2) =46%). Moreover, we found that STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism was associated with early-onset T1D risk (OR=1.43; 95% CI, 1.16-1.77; P<0.01; I(2) =0%). This meta-analysis suggested that the STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism may be associated with T1D development.