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.