Tumor Necrosis Factor-α -308G/A Genetic Polymorphism and the Susceptibility of Posttraumatic Sepsis

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Summary of background data The association between tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) -308G/A polymorphism and susceptibility to posttraumatic sepsis has been studied extensively. But the results have not remained very clear. Purpose We carried out this meta-analysis to explore the influence of TNF on susceptibility to posttraumatic sepsis. Methods Relevant studies were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Internet without language limitation, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analyses were implemented with the STATA 12.0 statistical software. Results Seven case-control studies were included in the meta-analyses on the association of TNFα -308 G/A genetic polymorphism and risk of posttraumatic sepsis. TNFα -308 G/A genetic polymorphism was significantly associated with susceptibility to posttraumatic sepsis in the dominant model [odds ratio (OR), 2.17; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.19–3.95; P = 0.011] and allelic model (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.23–2.39; P = 0.001), but not in the heterozygous model (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.58–3.39; P = 0.489). There was no significant publication bias for these 3 models. However, marked heterogeneity existed in the dominant model (I2 = 68.9%, P = 0.004) and the heterozygous model (I2 = 68.9%, P = 0.022). Conclusions TNF -308 G/A genetic polymorphism may have an influence on susceptibility to posttraumatic sepsis. Further studies with large sample sizes and well-designed studies are needed to confirm these results.