The tumour necrosis factor-α 308G>A genetic polymorphism may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne: a meta-analysis.

Abstract

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α is considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of acne. To estimate the association between the TNF-α 308G>A polymorphism and the pathogenesis of acne. A literature search of the PubMed and CNKI databases from inception to December 2013 was conducted. Meta-analyses were performed, and the OR and 95% CI calculated. The strength of association was assessed under five genetic models: allele (A vs. G), dominant (AA+AG vs. GG), recessive (AA vs. GG+AG), homozygous (AA vs. GG), and heterozygous (AA vs. AG). Seven case-control studies were included, with a total of 987 patients with acne and 1078 healthy controls. The meta-analysis result showed a significant association between TNF-α 308G>A and the pathogenesis of acne under the recessive (OR=3.13, 95% CI 1.67-5.86, P<0.001), homozygous (OR=3.03, 95% CI 1.63-5.63, P<0.001) and heterozygous (OR=3.16, 95% CI 1.61-6.20, P<0.001) models. The subgroup analysis showed a significant association with male sex (recessive: OR=3.77, 95% CI 1.26-11.25, P=0.02, homozygous: OR=3.25, 95% CI 1.03-10.22, P=0.04) and severe acne (recessive: OR=4.62, 95% CI 1.73-12.34, P<0.01; homozygous: OR=3.41, 95% CI 1.18-9.89, P=0.02). Our findings indicate that genotype AA of TNF-α 308G>A may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne. Thus, detection of the TNF-α 308G>A polymorphism may be a promising biomarker for the early detection of acne.