Association between tumor necrosis factor-α -308 Gauss/A polymorphism and risk of silicosis and coal workers pneumoconiosis in Chinese population.

BACKGROUND

Many studies have attempted to clarify the association between TNF-a -308G/A polymorphism and pneumoconiosis, but there has been no definite consensus to date. To further assess the effects of TNF-a -308G/A polymorphism on the risk of pneumoconiosis, a meta-analysis was performed in Chinese population.

METHODS

We searched the related literature in PubMed and Chinese databases through June 2018. The strength of the associations was assessed used pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Nine case-control studies including 730 silicosis cases, 457 coal workers pneumoconiosis cases and 2429 controls were identified according to the inclusion criteria. In the total analyses, a significantly elevated risk was found in allelic model (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.16-1.71). In the subgroup analyses by geographic area and type of pneumoconiosis, significant results were found both in North China (A versus G, OR = 1.33, CI = 1.05-1.69) and South China (A versus G, OR = 1.56, CI = 1.14-2.15); significant results were also found in silicosis (A versus G, OR = 1.40, CI = 1.11-1.78) and coal worker pneumoconiosis (A versus G, OR = 1.42, CI = 1.03-1.96).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that TNF-a gene -308 G/A polymorphism is associated with increased silicosis and coal workers pneumoconiosis risk in the Chinese population, and further studies in other ethnic groups are required for definite conclusions.