Role of vitamin D receptor gene Cdx2 and Apa1 polymorphisms in prostate cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms affect the risk of prostate cancer. However, studies investigating the relationship between VDR gene polymorphisms (Cdx2 and ApaI) and prostate cancer risk are equivocal. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of all the studies to review the evidence available. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science for studies published until September 2015 was conducted. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed to determine the association between VDR Cdx2 and ApaI polymorphisms, and prostate cancer risk. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 10 studies involving 4979 cases and 4380 controls to analyze the VDR Cdx2 polymorphism. An additional 11 studies involving 2837 cases and 2884 controls were analyzed for the VDR ApaI polymorphism. Evidence failed to support the role of VDR Cdx2 and ApaI polymorphisms in prostate cancer. For Cdx2, the pooled OR was 1.11 (95 % CI = 0.93–1.33) for AA vs. GG genotypes, 0.97 (95 % CI = 0.88–1.06) for GA vs. AA genotypes, 0.99 (95 % CI = 0.91–1.08) for AA + GA vs. GG, and 1.12 (95 % CI = 0.95–1.31) for AA vs. GA + GG. No significant relationship was observed in any subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, controls, and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). ORs for the ApaI polymorphism were similar. CONCLUSIONS: VDR Cdx2 and ApaI polymorphisms are not associated with prostate cancer. Additional evidence is required to confirm this conclusion.