Association of VDR polymorphisms (Taq I and Bsm I) with prostate cancer: a new meta-analysis

Objective Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour that poses a serious risk to human health. Epidemiological studies suggest that it may be associated with vitamin D receptor gene ( VDR) polymorphisms. Previous work investigated potential risks between Taq I (rs731236) and Bsm I (rs1544410) VDR polymorphisms with prostate cancer in humans; however, results are inconsistent. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis to retrieve genetic association analyses of rs731236 and rs1544410 polymorphisms with prostate cancer from studies published between 2006-2016. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess genetic associations, and heterogeneity was assessed by Q and I2statistics. Results Our findings suggest a significant association between rs731236 and prostate cancer risk in Asians and African Americans, but rs1544410 was not associated with prostate cancer under three genetic models. Conclusion Future studies including larger sample sizes and the analysis of gene functions are needed to help develop prostate cancer treatment.