Meta-analysis on the Association Between Norepinephrine Transporter Gene rs2242446, rs5569 Polymorphisms and Risk of Major Depressive Disorder

Background and aims: The association between norepinephrine transporter (NET) gene polymorphisms and the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been investigated extensively, but with contradictory findings.

Materials/methods: To clarify such contradiction, a comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were used to evaluate the strength of the association.

Results: Totally 23 case-control studies regarding rs2242446 and rs5569 polymorphisms were included. Overall analysis and subgroup analysis indicated no significant association between NET gene rs2242446 polymorphism and MDD risk. However, recessive and homozygous models revealed a significant association between NET rs5569 polymorphism and increased risk of MDD. The stratified analysis further indicated significant associations in Asians, hospital-based studies and studies with other genotyping methods.

Conclusions: In conclusion, NET gene rs5569 polymorphism could increase the risk of MDD, especially among Asians.