Association between RANTES Gene Polymorphisms and Asthma: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND A few recent studies have suggested that regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) polymorphisms (-403 G/A, -28C/G) are associated with asthma. However, there still existed studies which did not confirm these correlations. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of RANTES and asthma using a meta-analysis. METHODS Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were systemically searched. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS Eighteen studies were enrolled, including a total of 2558 cases and 2630 controls of -403 G/A, as well as 3311 cases and 4031 controls of -28C/G in this meta-analysis. The overall ORs and 95% CIs of -403 G/A were 1.19, 1.06-1.33 (P<0.001) and 1.25, 1.03-1.51 (P = 0.933) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. The overall ORs and 95% CIs of -28G were 1.23, 1.09-1.39 (P = 0.221) and 1.76, 1.32-2.34 (P = 0.356) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. No publication bias among studies was showed. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis showed that RANTES -403 G/A polymorphism was a risk factor for asthma, while -28C/G polymorphism were not associated with asthma.