Lack of association between IGF2BP2 rs4402960 polymorphism and gestational diabetes mellitus: a case–control study, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Background: It is well known that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) rs4402960 polymorphism is associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which has a shared genetic background with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Previous studies have yielded controversial results about the link between IGF2BP2 rs4402960 polymorphism and GDM risk. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to obtain more conclusive results. Methods: Clinical and genotype data were determined for 305 GDM and 1216 healthy participants recruited. Eligible studies were retrieved in PubMed, Web of science, EMBASE, and Scopus. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to evaluate the relationship between IGF2BP2 polymorphisms and GDM susceptibility in five genetic models. The subgroup stratified analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were performed. Results: In this case–control study, no significant association was revealed between IGF2BP2 polymorphism and GDM (P>0.05). When combined with the previous studies in the meta-analysis, there was no statistical association between IGF2BP2 polymorphism and GDM (allele model: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.86–1.18; dominant model: OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.81–1.24; recessive model: OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.91–1.29; heterozygous model: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.80–1.24; homozygous model: OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.78–1.42). No association was observed in five genetic models in each subgroup. TSA indicated sufficient proof of such null association in the overall population. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides sufficient statistical evidence indicating null association between IGF2BP2 rs4402960 polymorphism and GDM risk.