Associations between TNF-α polymorphisms and pneumonia: a meta-analysis

PLoS One. 2013;8(4):e61039. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061039. Epub 2013 Apr 8.

Abstract

Background: Several studies evaluated the associations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) polymorphisms with pneumonia in different populations. However, the results were conflicting and controversial.

Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched to find relevant studies. Data were extracted independently by two investigators. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.

Results: Twelve case-control studies and one cohort study were included. Overall, no association between TNF-α -308A/G polymorphism and pneumonia risk was observed for AA +AG vs. GG (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 0.99-1.30; P = 0.07). In addition, TNF-α -308A/G polymorphism was not associated with pneumonia mortality (OR = 1.96; 95% CI 0.94-4.09; P = 0.07). Furthermore, there was no association of TNF-α -238A/G polymorphism with the risk of pneumonia (OR = 1.38; 95% CI 0.84-2.28; P = 0.20).

Conclusions: TNF-α -308A/G, -238A/G polymorphisms were not associated with pneumonia risk. Moreover, TNF-α -308A/G polymorphism did not play a role in the pneumonia mortality risk.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Genetic Heterogeneity
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Humans
  • Pneumonia / genetics*
  • Pneumonia / mortality
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics*

Substances

  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Grants and funding

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO. 81070003) and Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong province (NO. 10151001002000005). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.