Lack of Association of the Fat Mass and Obesity Associated (FTO) Gene rs9939609 Polymorphism with Breast Cancer Risk: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Case - Control Studies

BACKGROUND: Previously published data on any association of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene with breast cancer risk remain inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted the present meta-analysis of links between breast cancer and the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism. METHODS: We have conducted a systematic review of the English literature by searching PubMed, Google Scholar and ISI Web of Knowledge databases for studies on associations between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and breast cancer risk. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the strength of the association using fixed- or random-effects model. RESULTS: We included five studies with 1134 cases and 1453 controls. Overall, no significant association between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and risk of breast cancer was found. On subgroup analysis by ethnicity, there was still no significant association detected. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and risk of breast cancer. However, the present meta-analysis suggested that only there might be a significant association of the CXCL12 rs1801157 polymorphisms with breast cancer risk.