Polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility: a meta-analysis

J Clin Immunol. 2012 Jun;32(3):530-9. doi: 10.1007/s10875-012-9650-y. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

Abstract

Introduction: The +49A/G polymorphism and CT60 polymorphism in the CTLA-4 gene have been extensively examined for the association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, results of different studies have been inconclusive. The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the genetic risks of +49A/G and CT60 polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene for RA.

Methods: A meta-analysis was carried out to analyze the association of +49A/G and CT60 polymorphisms with RA risk.

Results: A total of 30 case-control studies in 20 articles were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that the variant G allele carriers (GG + GA) of +49A/G polymorphism had an 18% increased risk of RA when compared with the homozygote AA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.34 for GG + AG vs. AA). In addition, the variant CT60 A allele carriers of CT60 polymorphism had a 14% decreased risk of RA when compared with the homozygote GG (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.78-0.95 for AA + AG vs. GG). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant elevated RA risks were associated with +49G allele carriers in Asians, but not in Europeans. However, for CT60 polymorphism, significant decreased RA risks were associated with CT60 A allele carriers in Europeans, but not in Asians.

Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that the +49A/G and CT60 polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene may be risk factors for RA.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / genetics*
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / genetics*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Substances

  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • CTLA4 protein, human