A comprehensive consolidation of data on the relationship between IRF6 polymorphisms and non-syndromic cleft lip/palate susceptibility: From 79 case-control studies

BACKGROUND

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a prevalent craniofacial birth defect on a global scale. A number of candidate genes have been identified as having an impact on NSCL/P. However, the association between interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) polymorphisms and NSCL/P has yielded inconsistent results, prompting the need for a meta-analysis to obtain more accurate estimates.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough screening of all relevant articles published up until November 15, 2023, in online bibliographic databases. The statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Version 4.0) software.

RESULTS

A total of 79 case-control studies, comprising 14,003 cases and 19,905 controls, were included in our analysis. The combined data indicated that the IRF6 rs642961 and rs2235371 polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of NSCL/P in the overall population. However, no significant association was found between the rs2013162 and rs2235375 polymorphisms and the risk of NSCL/P in the overall population. Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed significant correlations between the IRF6 rs642961, rs2235371, and rs2235375 polymorphisms and the risk of NSCL/P based on ethnic background and country of origin. Nevertheless, the rs2013162 polymorphism plays a protective role in Caucasians and mixed populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our collective data indicates a significant association between the rs642961 and rs2235371 polymorphisms and the risk of NSCL/P in the overall population. The rs2235375 polymorphism could influence the susceptibility to NSCL/P based on ethnic background. Meanwhile, the rs2013162 polymorphism provides protective effects in Caucasian, mixed populations, and the Brazilian population.

Coronary artery disease incidence, risk factors, awareness, and medication utilization in a 10-year cohort study

BACKGROUND

There is a substantial disparity in coronary artery disease (CAD) burden between Iran and other nations that place a strong emphasis on the assessment of CAD risk factors and individuals' awareness and ability to control them.

METHODS

Two thousand participants of a community-based Iranian population aged 20-74 years were investigated with a mean follow-up of 9.9 years (range: 7.6 to 12.2). An analysis of Cox regression was conducted to determine the association between CAD development and classic risk factors such as age, sex, smoking, physical activity, education, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we computed the population attributable fraction for these risk factors.

RESULTS

After a follow-up period of nearly 10 years, 225 CAD events were reported, constituting 14.5% of the overall incidence. Nighty three percent of participants had more than one risk factor. Age was the most predictive risk factor, with a hazard ratio (HR) and confidence interval (CI) of 5.56 (3.87-7.97, p < 0.001) in men older than 45 and females older than 55 compared to lower ages. In comparison to females, males had an HR of 1.45 (CI: 1.11-1.90, p value = 0.006) for developing CAD. Nearly 80% of the patients had dyslipidemia, with a hazard ratio of 2.19 (CI: 1.40-3.44, p = 0.01). Among the participants, 28.9% had hypertension, and 52% had prehypertension, which had HRs of 4.1 (2.4-7.2, p < 0.001) and 2.4 (1.4-4.2, p < 0.001), respectively. Diabetes, with a prevalence of 17%, had an HR of 2.63 (CI: 2 -3.47, p < 0.001), but prediabetes was not significantly associated with CAD. Awareness of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension was 81%, 27.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. Regarding medication usage, the corresponding percentages were 51% for diabetes, 13.2% for dyslipidemia, and 41% for hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to previous studies in Iran and neighboring countries, the current study found a higher incidence of CAD, more prevalent risk factors, and a lower awareness and ability to control these risk factors. Thus, an effective preventive strategy is needed to reduce the CAD burden in Iran.

An innovative model for predicting coronary heart disease using triglyceride-glucose index: a machine learning-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Various predictive models have been developed for predicting the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), but none of them has had optimal predictive value. Although these models consider diabetes as an important CHD risk factor, they do not consider insulin resistance or triglyceride (TG). The unsatisfactory performance of these prediction models may be attributed to the ignoring of these factors despite their proven effects on CHD. We decided to modify standard CHD predictive models through machine learning to determine whether the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG-index, a logarithmized combination of fasting blood sugar (FBS) and TG that demonstrates insulin resistance) functions better than diabetes as a CHD predictor.

METHODS

Two-thousand participants of a community-based Iranian population, aged 20-74 years, were investigated with a mean follow-up of 9.9 years (range: 7.6-12.2). The association between the TyG-index and CHD was investigated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. By selecting common components of previously validated CHD risk scores, we developed machine learning models for predicting CHD. The TyG-index was substituted for diabetes in CHD prediction models. All components of machine learning models were explained in terms of how they affect CHD prediction. CHD-predicting TyG-index cut-off points were calculated.

RESULTS

The incidence of CHD was 14.5%. Compared to the lowest quartile of the TyG-index, the fourth quartile had a fully adjusted hazard ratio of 2.32 (confidence interval [CI] 1.16-4.68, p-trend 0.04). A TyG-index > 8.42 had the highest negative predictive value for CHD. The TyG-index-based support vector machine (SVM) performed significantly better than diabetes-based SVM for predicting CHD. The TyG-index was not only more important than diabetes in predicting CHD; it was the most important factor after age in machine learning models.

CONCLUSION

We recommend using the TyG-index in clinical practice and predictive models to identify individuals at risk of developing CHD and to aid in its prevention.

Association of Fetal MTHFR C677T Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Neural Tube Defects: A Systematic Review and Update Meta-Analysis

Background MTHFR gene may be a key epigenetic regulation-related factor crucial during embryogenesis. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the association of fetal MTHFR C677T polymorphism with neural tube defects (NTDs).Methods A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and CNKI database was performed up to April 10, 2020.Results A total of 19 case-control studies with 2,228 NTDs cases and 4,220 controls were identified. Pooled data revealed that the fetal MTHFR C677T polymorphism was significantly highly correlated with development of NTDs in the overall population. Stratified analysis showed a significant association among Caucasians and Asians, but not in mixed populations. There was a significant association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and spina bifida risk. No publication bias was found under any genetic model.Conclusions Our pooled data support the fetal MTHFR C677T polymorphism association with risk of NTDs, especially among Caucasians and Asians.

Association of +1923C > T, -1112C > T and +2044A > G Polymorphisms in IL-13 Gene with Susceptibility to Pediatric Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundPrevious studies have provided conflicting evidence implicating the IL-13 polymorphism and pediatric asthma. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to combine and analyze the available studies to provide more accurate conclusions. Methods: A comprehensive retrieval in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CNKI was performed up to February 05, 2020. Results: A total of 39 case-control studies including 15 studies with 4,968 cases and 7,091 controls were on +1923 C > T, ten studies with 3,175 cases and 2,983 controls on -1112 C > T, and 14 studies with 4,476 cases and 5,121 controls on +2044 A > G were selected. Pooled data showed that the IL-13 + 1923 C > T, -1112 C > T and +2044 A > G polymorphisms were significantly associated with risk of pediatric asthma. The IL-13 + 1923 C > T (Asians and Africans), -1112 C > T (Caucasians) and +2044 A > G (Asians) polymorphisms were more frequently associated in these ethnic groups. Conclusions: Our pooled data indicated that IL-13 + 1923 C > T, -1112 C > T and +2044 A > G polymorphisms were correlated with risk of pediatric asthma.

Association of PAI-1 4G/5G and ACE I/D Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Pediatric Sepsis: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis

BackgroundSeveral studies have investigated the role of PAI-1 4G/5G and ACE I/D polymorphisms in the etiology of pediatric sepsis, but the results are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to assess for any associations. Methods: A comprehensive literature search on PubMed, web of science, and CNKI database was conducted up to April 15, 2020. Results: There were twelve case-control studies involving seven studies with 860 cases and 1144 controls on PA-1 4G/5G and five studies with 1602 cases and 1585 controls on ACE I/D. PAI-1 4G/5G and ACE I/D polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of pediatric sepsis in the global population. Stratified analysis by ethnicity showed a significant association in the Caucasians children. Conclusions: The meta-analysis suggests that the PAI-1 4G/5G and ACE I/D polymorphisms may be risk factors for development of pediatric sepsis in the global population.

Association between Fetal MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131) Polymorphism and Neural Tube Defects Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The association of the fetal MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphism and neural tube defects (NTDs) susceptibility has been widely demonstrated, but the results remain inconclusive. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between fetal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and NTDs risk.

METHODS

An electronic search of PubMed, web of science, SciELO, CNKI database for studies on the fetal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and NTDs risk was performed up to March 30, 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 22 case-control studies with 3,224 fetuses with NTDs and 3,295 controls were selected. Overall, pooled data showed that the fetal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was not significantly associated with risk an increased risk of NTDs in the global population. When stratified analysis by ethnicity, country of origin and NTDs type, still no statistically significant association was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pooled data emerged no evidence for significant association between fetal MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and NTDs risk.

Association of Insulin-like Growth Factor-II Apa1 and MspI Polymorphisms with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Risk

BackgroundInsulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) has a prominent role in fetal growth and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of IGF-II Apa1 and MspI polymorphisms with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) risk. Methods: A total of 45 infants with IUGR and 45 infants appropriate for gestational (AGA) were enrolled. Genotyping of Apa1 and MspI polymorphisms was assayed by PCR-RFLP approach. Results: The heterozygote genotype (AG) of IGF-II Apa1 CT was associated with an increased risk of IUGR. Genotypes and alleles of IGF-II MspI polymorphism had no significant association with IUGR susceptibility (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The current study suggests that IGF-II Apa1 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of IUGR, while IGF-II MspI showed no association with IUGR. Thus, IGF-II Apa1 polymorphism could be used as a relevant molecular marker to identify the fetus at risk of developing IUGR.

Association of IL-6 -174G > C Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Childhood Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThis meta-analysis evaluates the correlation between the IL-6 -174 G > C polymorphism and susceptibility of childhood sepsis. Methods: We searched PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, CNKI, SID, SciELO databases until December 30, 2019 to identify all eligible studies. Results: A total of 17 studies with 1,287 cases and 2,482 controls were identified. Pooled data revealed that there was no significant association between the IL-6 -174 G > C polymorphism and risk childhood sepsis in the overall population. When stratified analysis was carried out by age group of cases, no associations were found in neonates and pediatrics. However, in ethnicity-based subgroups, a significant association was found in Caucasians and Africans. Conclusions: There was no significant association of the IL-6 -174G > C polymorphism with susceptibility to sepsis in childhood overall, but there was an association with the Caucasian and African ethnic subgroups.

Association of MTHFR 677C > T, 1298A > C and MTR 2756A > G Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Childhood Retinoblastoma: A Systematic Review and Met-Analysis

BackgroundRecently, epidemiological studies investigating the association of MTHFR 677 C > T, 1298 A > C and MTR 2756 A > G polymorphism with retinoblastoma susceptibility reported controversial results. Methods: Data were collected from several electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases, with the last search up to December 05, 2019. Results: A total of eleven case-control studies including four studies with 324 cases and 490 controls on MTHFR 677 C > T, four studies with 324 cases and 490 controls on MTHFR 1298 A > C, and three studies with 283 cases and 485 controls on MTR 2756 A > G were selected. There was a significant association between MTHFR 677 C > T and MTR 2756 A > G polymorphisms and an increased risk of retinoblastoma. However, MTHFR 1298 A > C polymorphism was not significantly associated with risk of retinoblastoma. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that MTHFR 677 C > T and MTR 2756 A > G polymorphisms might play important roles in the development of retinoblastoma. No association with MTHFR 1298 A > C polymorphism was observed.

Meta-analysis of the frequency of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm premature rupture of the membranes in pregnant women with COVID-19

The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in pregnancy has yet to be determined. Some studies indicate that SARSCoV- 2 infection may be associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes in pregnant women. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the frequency of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) in pregnant women with Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). A comprehensive search was performed in various databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, MedRxiv, and Web of Science, to find all relevant studies published before 10 February 2021. Cross-sectional and consecutive case series reporting the pregnancy outcomes of COVID-19 were included. A total of 24 studies, including 8 studies on IUGR and 16 studies on PPROM, were selected. Pooled data showed that the frequencies of IUGR and PPROM in pregnant women with COVID-19 were 2.6% and 9.9%, respectively. Analyses stratified by ethnicity showed that the frequencies of IUGR in Asian and Caucasian COVID-19-infected pregnant women were 2.9% and 2.0%, respectively. Moreover, the frequencies of PPROM in Asian and Caucasian COVID-19-infected pregnant women were 10.2% and 5.8%, respectively. This meta-analysis showed that the frequencies of IUGR and PPROM in COVID-19-infected pregnant women were 2.6% and 9.9%, respectively. However, well-designed, large-scale and multicenter clinical studies are required to improve and validate these results.

Evidence from a meta-analysis for association of MC4R rs17782313 and FTO rs9939609 polymorphisms with susceptibility to obesity in children

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MC4R rs17782313 and FTO rs9939609 polymorphisms with childhood obesity.

METHODS

A universal search was performed up to May 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies including 13 studies with 9565 cases and 11956 controls on MC4R rs17782313 and 18 studies with 4789 cases and 15918 controls on FTO rs9939609 were selected.

CONCLUSIONS

Pooled data showed that FTO rs9930506 and MC4R rs17782313 polymorphisms were significantly associated with obesity in children. Stratified analyses revealed that these genetic variants were associated with childhood obesity in Caucasian and Asian children.

Association of SERPINE1 rs1799889 polymorphism with arterial ischemic stroke in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Inherited thrombophilias are well-established predisposing factors for venous thromboembolism, but their role in arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children, remains unclear. The association between SERPINE1 rs1799889 polymorphism and AIS in children was evaluated by several studies, whereas the results were conflicting. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to combine and analyze the available studies in order to provide a more accurate result on the association. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, SciELO, MedRxiv, China Biology Medicine Disk, DeepDyve, CNKI, and Web of Science were used to identify all relevant articles published up to 30 November 2020, without any restrictions on ethnicity. Summary odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the strength of the associations. A total of eight case-control studies with 600 cases and 2,156 controls were selected. No significant association between SERPINE1 rs1799889 polymorphism and AIS in children susceptibility was noted. In the stratified analyses by ethnicity, source of controls, genotyping methods, and age groups, there was still no significant association between SERPINE1 rs1799889 polymorphism and AIS risk in children. This study suggested that SERPINE1 rs1799889 polymorphism might be not related to etiology of AIS in children. Moreover, well-designed, large-scale and multicenter clinical studies are required to improve and validate these results.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15257770.2021.1966798 .

A meta-analysis for association of eNOS VNTR 4b/a, - 786 T > C and + 894G > T polymorphisms with risk of recurrent pregnancy loss

BACKGROUND

The association of polymorphisms at nitric oxide synthases (eNOS) gene with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) susceptibility has been the focus of attention in several studies. However, the conclusions have been divergent and controversial. Therefore, we performed this study to precisely evaluate the association of eNOS polymorphisms with the risk of RPL.

METHODS

A universal search in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, SciELO, MedRxiv, Scopus and web of Science was performed to identify relevant studies up to January 25, 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 39 eligible studies including 15 studies with 2274 cases and 1933 controls on VNTR 4b/a, nine studies with 1640 cases and 1268 controls on -786C > T, and 15 studies with 2660 cases and 2557 controls on + 894G > T polymorphism were selected. Pooled data revealed that eNOS VNTR 4b/a (dominant model: OR = 1.174, 95% CI 1.021-1.350, p = 0.025) and + 894G > T (allele model: OR = 1.278, 95% CI 1.024-1.595, p = 0.030; homozygote model: OR = 1.442, 95% CI 1.084-1.917, p = 0.012; dominant model: OR = 1.305, 95% CI 1.006-1.693, p = 0.045; and recessive model: OR = 1.378, 95% CI 1.045-1.817, p = 0.023) polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of RPL, but not  - 786 T > C. Stratified analysis by ethnicity revealed that the eNOS + 894G > T was associated with RPL risk in Asians.

CONCLUSIONS

To sum up, our results indicated that the eNOS VNTR 4b/a and + 894G > T polymorphisms might be contributing to RPL development, but not the  - 786C > T polymorphism.

Association of Fetal MTHFR 677C > T Polymorphism with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip with or without Palate Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study was conducted to estimate the precise association of fetal MTHFR 677 C > T polymorphism with risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL ± P) using a large-scale meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using studies published on PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and CNKI databases up to November 1, 2019. Results: A total of 38 studies with 6,525 children with NSCL ± P and 8,606 controls were selected. Overall, there was a significant association between MTHFR 677 C > T polymorphism and NSCL ± P risk. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed that MTHFR 677 C > T polymorphism contributed to development of NSCL ± P in Caucasian and Mixed populations, but not in Asians. When stratified by country of origin, we found a significant association in Brazilian, Turkish and Indian populations, but not in Chinese and US-American. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that fetal MTHFR 677 C > T polymorphism is significantly associated with NSCL ± P risk.

Association of BMP4 rs17563 Polymorphism with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate Risk: Literature Review and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Although published individual studies have reported associations between BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) risk, the results are conflicting. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association based on multiple studies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search up to October 1st, 2019 was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases. Results: Fourteen case-control studies with 2,058 NSCLP cases and 2,557 controls were selected. There was no significant association between BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism and risk of NSCLP overall. Subgroup analysis revealed that BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism was associated with NSCLP risk in Chinese and Brazilian populations. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism was not associated with NSCLP risk in overall population. However, BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism may be a risk factor for development of NSCLP in Chinese and Brazilians.

Association of TNF-α rs1800629, CASP3 rs72689236 and FCGR2A rs1801274 Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Kawasaki Disease: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a multifactorial condition at the junction of infectious diseases, immunology, rheumatology, and cardiology. The aim of this study is to derive a more precise estimation of the association of TNF-α rs1800629, CASP3 rs72689236 and FCGR2A rs1801274 polymorphisms with risk of KD. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI databases were searched to identify all relevant studies. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using CMA 2.2 software. Results: A total of 25 studies including eleven studies on TNF-α rs1800629, five studies on CASP3 rs72689236 and nine studies on FCGR2A rs1801274 were selected. Overall, pooled data revealed that CASP3 rs72689236 and FCGR2A rs1801274 polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of KD. However, there was no significant association between TNF-α rs1800629 and KD. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that CASPS rs72689236 and FCGR2A rs1801274 polymorphisms may modulate individual susceptibility to KD.

A meta-analysis of the association of the ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss in Iranian women: Are the investigations adequate?

The associations of ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Iranian women have yielded controversial results. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to obtain more certain results. A comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, MedRxiv, SID, and CNKI databases up to January 1st, 2021, using the appropriate terms. All case-control studies were included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of associations. A total of 14 studies including eight studies with 783 patients and 761 healthy subjects on ACE I/D and six studies with 1.155 patients and 699 healthy subjects on PAI-1 4G/5G were included. Combined data revealed that ACE I/D polymorphism was significantly associated with RPL risk in Iranian women under three models i.e., allele [OR=0.744, 95% CI: (0.640-0.864); p≤0.001], dominant [OR=0.774, 95% CI: (0.601-0.996); p=0.047], and recessive [OR=0.767, 95% CI: (0.611-0.963); p=0.022]. Moreover, the pooled data showed a significant association between the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and RPL risk under all five models i.e., allele [OR=2.352, 95% CI: (1.623-3.408); p≤0.001], heterozygote [OR=8.364, 95% CI: (4.744-14.756); p≤0.001), homozygote [OR=2.192, 95% CI: (1.093-4.394); p=0.027), dominant [OR=2.354, 95% CI: (1.309-4.235); p=0.004], and recessive [OR=5.208, 95% CI: (3.005-9.025); p≤0.001]. Stratification analysis revealed that these polymorphisms were associated with RPL risk by the number of miscarriages. Our pooled data indicated that ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of RPL in Iranian women. These significant findings showed that the investigation might be adequate for ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms in the Iranian population.

An Updated and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Association between VEGA -634G > C, -460T > C, +405G > C and +936C > T Polymorphisms and Retinopathy of Prematurity Risk

Previous studies have suggested an association between VEGF-A polymorphisms and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) risk. But the conclusions are still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between the VEGF-A polymorphisms and susceptibility of ROP. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, WanFang and CNKI databases for all eligible case-control studies published before September 30, 2019. Results: A total of 27 case-control studies with 5,748 ROP cases and 6,146 controls were selected. The results suggested that there was an association between VEGF-A -460T > C polymorphism and increased risk of ROP under the allele model (C vs. T: OR= 0.879, 95% CI 0.776-0.994, p = 0.040). However, VEGF-A -634G > C, +405G > C and +936C > T polymorphisms were not significantly associated with risk of ROP. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that VEGF-A +405G > C polymorphism was associated with ROP risk in Caucasians. Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that VEGF-A -460T > C polymorphism may contribute to the susceptibility for ROP.

Cumulative Evidence for Association between IL-10 Polymorphisms and Kawasaki Disease Susceptibility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the associations between IL-10 polymorphisms and Kawasaki disease (KD) risk.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and SciELO for all relevant studies evaluating IL-10 polymorphism and susceptibility to KD. The associations were measured by odds ratios (ORs) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies including four studies on -1082 A > G, four studies on -819 T > C and five studies on -592 A > C polymorphism were selected. Pooled data revealed that IL-10 -592 A > C polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of KD (C vs. A: OR = 0.402, 95% CI 0.194-0.832, p = 0.014). However, IL-10 -1082 A > G and -819 T > C polymorphisms were not significantly associated with risk of KD under all five genetic models.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that IL-10 -592 A > C polymorphism was associated with risk of KD, while IL-10 -1082 A > G and -819 T > C polymorphisms were not involved in the development of KD.

Association of eNOS and ACE Polymorphisms with Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: We performed a meta-analysis to clarify the association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) risk. Methods: PubMed, Medline, and Embase literatures up to June 01, 2019, were reviewed. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of associations. Results: Eighteen case-control studies including 14 studies (810 cases and 1754 controls) on eNOS polymorphisms and four studies (1014 cases and 1215 controls) on ACE I/D polymorphism were selected. Overall, analysis showed that infants with the ACE I/D polymorphism have an increased susceptibility to ROP. No association of eNOS 27-bp, 894 G > T and -786 T > C polymorphisms with ROP risk was found. Conclusion: ACE I/D polymorphism may serve as genetic biomarker of increased ROP risk. The eNOS polymorphisms do not appear to influence susceptibility to ROP.

Vertical Transmission of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) from Infected Pregnant Mothers to Neonates: A Review

Background: Since early December 2019, the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) infection has been prevalent in China and eventually spread to other countries. There are a few published cases of COVID-19 occurring during pregnancy and due the possibility of mother-fetal vertical transmission, there is a concern that the fetuses may be at risk of congenital COVID-19. Methods: We reviewed the risk of vertical transmission of COVID-19 to the fetus of infected mothers by using data of published articles or official websites up to March 4, 2020. Results: A total of 31 infected pregnant mothers with COVID-19 were reported. No COVID-19 infection was detected in their neonates or placentas. Two mothers died from COVID-19-related respiratory complications after delivery. Conclusions: Currently, based on limited data, there is no evidence for intrauterine transmission of COVID-19 from infected pregnant women to their fetuses. Mothers may be at increased risk for more severe respiratory complications.

Association of Axis Inhibition Protein 2 Polymorphisms with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate in Iranian Children

Background: Previously, only a few studies have investigated the association of AXIN2 polymorphisms with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) risk. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association of rs2240308 C > T, rs1133683 C > T, and rs7224837 A > G polymorphisms of the AXIN2 gene with NSCLP risk in Iranian children. Methods: The study was comprised of 120 NSCLP cases and 120 controls. The AXIN2 polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-RFLP assay. Results: The mutant homozygote genotype (TT) of AXIN2 rs1133683 C > T polymorphism was associated with increased risk of NSCLP. There was no significant association between rs2240308 C > T and rs7224837 A > G polymorphisms of the AXIN2 gene with an increased risk of NSCLP. Conclusion: This study indicates that AXIN2 rs1133683 C > T polymorphism may modify NSCLP susceptibility in the Iranian children, but not the rs2240308 C > T and rs7224837 A > G polymorphisms.

ASSOCIATION OF RS2435357 AND RS1800858 POLYMORPHISMS IN RET PROTO-ONCOGENE WITH HIRSCHSPRUNG DISEASE: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Introduction:

Many published studies have estimated the association of rs2435357 and rs1800858 polymorphisms in the proto-oncogene rearranged during transfection (RET) gene with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) risk. However, the results remain inconsistent and controversial.

Aim:

To perform a meta-analysis get a more accurate estimation of the association of rs2435357 and rs1800858 polymorphisms in the RET proto-oncogene with HSCR risk.

Methods:

The eligible literatures were searched by PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to June 30, 2018. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the susceptibility to HSCR.

Results:

A total of 20 studies, including ten (1,136 cases 2,420 controls) for rs2435357 and ten (917 cases 1,159 controls) for rs1800858 were included. The overall results indicated that the rs2435357 (allele model: OR=0.230, 95% CI 0.178-0.298, p=0.001; homozygote model: OR=0.079, 95% CI 0.048-0.130, p=0.001; heterozygote model: OR=0.149, 95% CI 0.048-0.130, p=0.001; dominant model: OR=0.132, 95% CI 0.098-0.179, p=0.001; and recessive model: OR=0.239, 95% CI 0.161-0.353, p=0.001) and rs1800858 (allele model: OR=5.594, 95% CI 3.653-8.877, p=0.001; homozygote model: OR=8.453, 95% CI 3.783-18.890, p=0.001; dominant model: OR=3.469, 95% CI 1.881-6.396, p=0.001; and recessive model: OR=6.120, 95% CI 3.608-10.381, p=0.001) polymorphisms were associated with the increased risk of HSCR in overall.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that the rs2435357 and rs1800858 polymorphisms in the RET proto-oncogene might be associated with HSCR risk.

ASSOCIATIONS OF IL-6 -174G>C AND IL-10 -1082A>G POLYMORPHISMS WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CELIAC DISEASE: EVIDENCE FROM A META-ANALYSIS AND LITERATURE REVIEW

BACKGROUND

There has been little evidence to suggest that the IL-6 -174G>C and IL-10 -1082A>G polymorphisms are significantly associated with susceptibility to celiac disease. Thus, we performed the present meta-analysis to explore the potential association between these polymorphisms and celiac disease risk.

METHODS

Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI database up to April 20, 2019. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were calculated to assess the potential associations. Moreover, we performed the heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias tests to clarify and validate the pooled results.

RESULTS

Overall, nine case-control studies involving five studies with 737 cases and 1,338 control on IL-6 -174G>C polymorphism and four studies with 923 cases and 864 controls on IL-10 -1082A>G polymorphism were selected. The pooled ORs showed that the IL-6 -174G>C and IL-10 -1082A>G polymorphisms were not significantly associated with increased risk of celiac disease under all five genetic models. There was no publication bias.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis summarizing all of the available studies on the association of IL-6 -174G>C and IL-10 -1082A>G polymorphisms with celiac disease. Our results suggest that the IL-6 -174G>C and IL-10 -1082A>G polymorphisms may not be associated with increased risk of celiac disease. Moreover, large and well-designed studies are needed to fully describe the association of IL-6 -174G>C and IL-10 -1082A>G polymorphisms with celiac disease.