Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether the FAS, and FASL polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the FAS -670 A/G, FAS -1377 G/A, and FASL -844 T/C polymorphisms and SLE.
Results: A total of eleven articles met the study inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicated an association between SLE and the FAS -670 A/G polymorphism in the dominant model (OR=0.629, 95% CI=0.409-0.967, p=0.035). Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the FAS -670 GG+GA genotype and SLE in Asian populations (OR=0.464, 95% CI=0.218-0.988, p=0.046). Meta-analysis indicated an association between SLE and the FAS -1377 AA+AG genotype (OR=0.712, 95% CI=0.528 - 0.961, p=0.027), and an association between SLE and the FASL +844 C allele was found (OR=1.377, 95% CI=1.162 - 1.633, p=2.3x10(-4)). Meta-analyses using the recessive model or homozygote contrast showed the same pattern as the meta-analysis of the FASL +844 C allele, that is, a significant association with SLE.
Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrates that the FAS -670 A/G, FAS -1377 G/A, and FASL -844 T/C polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to SLE.