Association between chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 gene −2518 A/G polymorphism and pancreatitis risk: A meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveMany studies have focused on the relationship between chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 gene (CCL2) −2518 A/G polymorphism and pancreatitis risk, but the results remain inconsistent. Thus, a meta-analysis was carried out to derive a more precise estimation of the association between CCL2 −2518 A/G polymorphism and pancreatitis risk. MethodsRelevant publications were searched in several widely used databases and six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association between CCL2 −2518 A/G polymorphism and pancreatitis risk. ResultsSignificant associations between CCL2 −2518 A/G polymorphism and pancreatitis risk were observed in both overall meta-analysis (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43–0.89 for AA versus AG + GG; OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51–0.98 for A allele versus G allele), and acute pancreatitis subgroup (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.31–0.99 for AA versus AG + GG), especially severe acute pancreatitis subgroup when compared with controls (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.24–0.97 for AG versus GG; OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.18–0.70 for AA + AG versus GG). However, no significant pancreatitis risk variation was detected for all genetic models in the severe acute pancreatitis versus mild acute pancreatitis subgroup and the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity. ConclusionsThe CCL2 −2518 A/G polymorphism probably associates with pancreatitis risk, especially severe acute pancreatitis risk when compared with controls, with the G allele acting as a risk factor.