Role of CYP2E1 polymorphisms in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: CYP2E1 polymorphisms have been reported to influence individual’s breast cancer susceptibility as a phase I enzyme, but the results of these previous studies remain controversial. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess their association. METHODS: A comprehensive search of literature included in various databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar), published before August 2016, was performed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated in fixed or random-effects models were used to estimate the strength of the associations between three polymorphisms of CYP2E1 and breast cancer susceptibility. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and test for publication bias were also performed. A total of 11 separate comparisons involving 4311 cases and 4407 controls were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Our result showed that there was no significant association between the two common polymorphisms CYP2E1 rs2031920 C>T, CYP2E1*5 Rsa I/Rst I (c1/c2) and BC risk. For CYP2E1*6 Dra I (D/C) polymorphism, a significantly increased BC risk in the overall population was found in genetic model D/C vs. D/D (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.04–1.61, P = 0.023) and C/C + D/C vs. D/D (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04–1.51, P = 0.019), together with subjects who have at least one C allele (C vs. D: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.20–1.79, P < 0.001). Similar results were also found in subgroup analyses in Caucasians of these three comparison models. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis suggests that CYP2E1*6 Dra I (D/C) variation significantly associated with the risk of BC. Individuals with D/C and C/C + D/C genotypes or carried at least one C allele of CYP2E1*6 Dra I (D/C) polymorphism had a significant higher susceptibility to develop BC. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12935-016-0371-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.