Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene Polymorphism and the Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: We aimed to elucidate the association between fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) polymorphism and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Embase databases to find the relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for pooled analysis. Statistical analyses were carried out by using R 3.12 software. Heterogeneity was assessed using I( 2 ) and Q statistics. I( 2 )>50% or P<0.05 was considered as heterogeneity statistically, and random effects model was used for pooled analysis. Otherwise, fixed-effect model was used. RESULTS: Twelve eligible studies that published from 2008 to 2015 were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analyses showed that rs9939609 polymorphism of FTO gene was significantly associated with risk of PCOS under A vs. T, AT vs. TT, AA vs. TT, AA vs. AT+TT and AA+AT vs. TT genetic models. However, for rs8050136 and rs1421085, significant association was only found under recessive genetic model. CONCLUSION: rs9939609 variation of FTO gene is significantly associated with risk of PCOS. However, the association between rs8050136, rs1421085, and PCOS is still unclear and needs further confirmation.