Association between VDR polymorphisms and multiple sclerosis: systematic review and updated meta-analysis of case-control studies

Abstract

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been inconsistently investigated in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, published studies demonstrated differences concerning design and effect size. A meta-analysis is necessary to determine the magnitude of the association between VDR polymorphisms and MS risk. The aim of the current study was to quantify the magnitude of the association between BsmI, FokI, ApaI, and TaqI VDR polymorphisms and MS risk. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic search and meta-analysis of the VDR gene polymorphisms and the risk of MS. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by using Stata Version 11.0 with dominant and recessive models and allele analyses. A total of 4013 cases and 4218 controls in 24 case-control studies were included in the meta-analyses. The results did not indicate an association between any of the VDR polymorphisms and the risk of MS among overall populations, Asians, and Caucasians. However, our subgroup analysis suggests that the A allele was associated with MS risk in Asian populations (P = 0.005, OR = 1.267, 95% CI 1.074-1.496). Interestingly, the sensitivity analysis excluding studies with controls not in HWE showed insignificant association between the A allele and MS risk (P = 0.211), which was different from those in the non-sensitivity analysis. Our preliminary results indicate the VDR gene ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI polymorphisms may not be associated with elevated MS risk among overall populations. But ApaI polymorphism may confer different susceptibility to MS among different populations, and more well-designed studies with a large sample size are still needed to validate our results.

Impact of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism on Chronic Renal Failure Susceptibility

“…The FokI site is located in a coding exon at the start of the gene and could alter the structure of the VDR gene . It has been demonstrated that VDR gene polymorphisms are associated with several diseases such as hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and breast cancer . The relationship between CRF and VDR gene polymorphisms has been studied.…”

Analgesic efficacy and impact of caudal block on surgical complications of hypospadias repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…For observational studies (defined as non-randomized comparisons of caudal block vs peripheral nerve block or caudal block vs no caudal block), the OR and 95% CI were used to measure the association between caudal block and the risk of surgical complications across studies, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant 18. Subgroup analysis was also performed according to types of hypospadias, types of comparisons (caudal block vs peripheral nerve block or caudal block vs no caudal block) and trials adjusting for confounding factors.…”

Vitamin D and Demyelinating Diseases: Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

“…A significant association is reported for MS and the FokI polymorphism in a region of Turkey [47]. However, no increase in risk of MS is reported for Asians and Caucasians with the VDR gene polymorphisms ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI [9]. In meta-analysis Tizoui et al [13] were able to report a significant association between MS with ApaI polymorphism Autoimmune Diseases 6 decreasing the transcription of CYP24A1A in a study of rodent CD4+ T-cells.…”

“…Evidence is emerging that dark skin pigmentation is a risk factor for autoimmune disease; therefore, providing a logical linkage between these conditions and African ancestry [8]. Specific vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms (discussed later) have been identified in populations with darker pigments, and are associated with elevated risk of developing MS [9].…”