Meta-analysis of the association between SCARB1 polymorphism and fasting blood lipid levels

Studies have shown that the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) rs5888 polymorphism impacts fasting blood lipid levels differently in men and women. A meta-analysis and statistical tests was therefore performed to determine the relationship between the rs5888 polymorphism and lipid levels in men and women. Twelve studies with 12,147 subjects were selected for this study. In a dominant model, the CT+TT genotype group had lower triglyceride levels than the CC group in men (standardized mean difference (SMD): −0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.21 to −0.02; P = 0.016; I(2) = 51.5%). No statistical differences were detected in women. Subgroup analysis of different racial groups revealed significant correlation between the SCARB1 rs5888 polymorphism and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (SMD: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.21; P ≤ 0.001; I(2) = 0%) and lower triglyceride levels (SMD: −0.16; 95% CI: −0.26 to −0.04; P = 0.013; I(2) = 60.6%) in non-Asian men. No evidence of heterogeneity was observed when eliminating outlier studies, and no publication bias was detected. This meta-analysis suggests the SCARB1 rs5888 polymorphism is associated with higher HDL-C and lower triglyceride levels in non-Asian men.