Association between RANTES Gene Polymorphisms and Asthma: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: A few recent studies have suggested that regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) polymorphisms (−403 G/A, −28C/G) are associated with asthma. However, there still existed studies which did not confirm these correlations. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of RANTES and asthma using a meta-analysis. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were systemically searched. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were enrolled, including a total of 2558 cases and 2630 controls of −403 G/A, as well as 3311 cases and 4031 controls of −28C/G in this meta-analysis. The overall ORs and 95% CIs of −403 G/A were 1.19, 1.06–1.33 (P<0.001) and 1.25, 1.03–1.51 (P = 0.933) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. The overall ORs and 95% CIs of −28G were 1.23, 1.09–1.39 (P = 0.221) and 1.76, 1.32–2.34 (P = 0.356) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. No publication bias among studies was showed. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis showed that RANTES −403 G/A polymorphism was a risk factor for asthma, while −28C/G polymorphism were not associated with asthma.