Lack of association of apolipoprotein E (Apo E) ?2/?3/?4 polymorphisms with primary open-angle glaucoma: a meta-analysis from 1916 cases and 1756 controls.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A number of case-control studies were conducted to investigate the association of apolipoprotein E (Apo E) polymorphisms with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). But the results remain controversial. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between a common ?2/?3/?4 polymorphism in Apo E gene on the risk of POAG.

Method

A comprehensive literature search for studies published up to April 2013 was performed. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated employing random-effects models irrespective of between-study heterogeneity. Publication bias of literatures was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test.

Results

A total of 12 studies including 1916 cases and 1756 controls meeting the predefined criteria were involved in this meta-analysis. Overall, the Apo E ?2 allele and ?4 allele were not associated with POAG, compared with those carrying ?3 allele, with ORs of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.79 to 1.23; P=0.872) and 1.05 (95% CI, 0.78 to 1.41; P=0.743), respectively. Genotypic analysis also found no significant association between the ?4 carriers (?3/?4+?4/?4), ?2 carriers (?2/?3+?2/?2) and POAG, compared with participants with Apo E ?3/3, with ORs of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.66 to 1.25; P=0.543) and 1.08 (95% CI, 0.74 to 1.57; P=0.694), respectively. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, source of controls, genotyping methods, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium or not, or type of the POAG, still no obvious associations were found.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that Apo E ?2/?3/?4 polymorphisms may not be associated with the risk of POAG. However, well-designed studies with larger sample size and more ethnic groups are required to further validate the results.

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3759379 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature