Association between the IL-6 gene polymorphism and tuberculosis risk: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

The gene polymorphism of interleukin-6 ( IL-6) has been shown to be implicated in tuberculosis susceptibility in many studies, but with conflicting results. This study aimed to provide more accurate estimation of the relationship between IL-6 gene polymorphism and tuberculosis risk through a meta-analysis

Method

A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases. Data were retrieved, and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed by using STATA 12.0.

Results

Twelve publications with 2635 cases and 3049 controls were included. The pooled analysis demonstrated significant evidence of association between IL-6 (−174G/C) and low risk of tuberculosis in dominant model (CC+GC vs GG: OR =0.693, 95% CI 0.581–0.826, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis got similar results for IL-6 (−174G/C) in Asians and Latinos, but the significance did not exist in Caucasians. IL-6 (−572C/G) polymorphism was also associated with low risk of tuberculosis in dominant model (CC+GC vs GG: OR =0.719, 95% CI 0.577–0.896, p=0.003). No publication bias was detected in either of the polymorphisms.

Conclusion

In summary, IL-6 −572 C/G polymorphism may be associated with a decreased risk of tuberculosis, and C allele is the protective factor against tuberculosis for IL-6 −174G/C among Asians and Latinos, but not in Caucasian population.