The miR-146a polymorphism and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis : a meta-analysis.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore whether the miR-146a polymorphism (rs2910164) confers susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A meta-analysis was conducted on the association of the miR-146a polymorphism with SLE and RA. Five studies with 2013patients and 2555controls were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed no association between SLE and the miR-146aG allele (odds ratio, OR= 1.007, 95 % confidence interval, CI= 0.910-1.114, p = 0.888). Additionally, no associations were found between the miR-146a polymorphism and SLE using recessive or dominant models, or homozygote contrast. Meta-analysis using allele contrast, recessive and dominant models, as well as homozygote contrast failed to reveal an association between the miR-146a polymorphism and RA (OR for Gallele= 1.114, 95 %CI= 0.892-1.391, p = 0.342). This meta-analysis demonstrates that the miR-146a polymorphism is not associated with susceptibility to SLE and RA. However, considering the small number of studies, further studies are needed to confirm this result.