Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-protein-coding RNAs, which have emerged as integrated and important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. It has been demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exist in protein-coding genes. Accumulated studies have evaluated the association of miRNA SNPs with cancer risk, especially in Asian population, which included a series of related studies. However, the results remain controversial for the different genetic backgrounds, living habits and environment exposed. To evaluate the relationship between SNPs in miRNAs and cancer risk, 21 studies focused on Asian population were enrolled for the pooled analysis for three polymorphisms rs2910164, rs11614913, rs3746444 in three miRNAs miR-146aG>C, miR-196a2C>T, miR-499A>G using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For rs2910164 polymorphism, C allele was observed association with decreased overall cancer risk. In addition, subgroup analysis revealed of rs2910164 C allele decreased hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cervical cancer and prostate cancer risk among Chinese population. For rs11614913 polymorphism, TT genotype was observed to be associated with decreased cancer risk, especially for cancer type of colorectal cancer (CRC), lung cancer and country of Korea, North India. Whereas, rs3746444 G allele was an increased cancer risk factor in Chinese population, especially for breast cancer. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicated that rs2910164 C allele was associated with decreased cancer risk in Chinese population. However, the association varied from different cancer types. Furthermore, TT genotype of rs11614913 was associated with decreased cancer risk. While different cancer types and countries contributed to different effects. Whereas, rs3746444 G allele was a risk factor in Chinese population, and the association varied from different cancer types.
Highlights
MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are a family of naturally occurring, small noncoding RNAs of 21–24 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression by base pairing with target mRNAs at the 39UTR, leading to mRNA cleavage or translational repression [1,2]
Data from studies were accepted in our meta-analysis only if the study met all of the following criteria: (1) published in English; (2) available cancer risk and miR-146a/miR-499/miR-196a2 polymorphism data related to Asian population; (3) case-control studies; (4) sources of cases and sufficient available data to estimate an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI); (5) available genotype frequency
Cancer subgroup analysis revealed an obvious decreased risk was found in cervical cancer for all four comparison models (CC vs GG: OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.37–0.68, Ph = 0.814; GC vs GG: OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55–0.95, Ph = 0.254; CC+GC vs GG: OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49–0.82, Ph = 0.382; CC vs GG+GC: OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.52–0.82, Ph = 0.359)
Summary
MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are a family of naturally occurring, small noncoding RNAs of 21–24 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression by base pairing with target mRNAs at the 39UTR, leading to mRNA cleavage or translational repression [1,2]. Polymorphisms in miRNA genes could directly influence the expressions and functions of miRNAs. Recently, miR-146aG.C (rs2910164), miR-196a2C.T (rs11614913) and miR-499A.G (rs3746444) were drawed close attention and were expected to demonstrate the association with many cancers [10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17]. The results were generally inconsistent and inconclusive This meta-analysis focused on these three polymorphisms to deliberate their associations with cancer risk, which have surveyed in many populations. To draw a conclusion of three polymorphisms and cancer risk in Asian population, an analysis of pooled published studies was required. This meta-analysis explored the associations between polymorphisms of three miRNAs and cancer in Asian population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
