An updated meta-analysis of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) rs7574865 G/T polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis risk in an Asian population.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) transmits signals induced by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-12, IL-23, and interferon (IFN)-γ, which play an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have shown conflicting results concerning the association between the rs7574865 G/T polymorphism in the STAT4 gene and RA in an Asian population. We have performed a meta-analysis to examine this relationship.

METHOD:

We searched PubMed and WanFang databases for all papers published up to 5 October 2013. Eight case-control studies with 6029 cases and 4685 controls were retrieved based on the search criteria for RA susceptibility related to the STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphism. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of this association. Publication bias was assessed using Begg's test.

RESULTS:

A significant association was found between the STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphism and RA risk (e.g. GG+GT vs. TT: RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97; GG+TT vs. GT: RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97). Subgroup analysis of rheumatoid factor (RF) status revealed a protective relationship between the STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphism and RF(+)/RF(-) RA risk. A similar relationship was detected in the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) status subgroup. No clear evidence of publication bias was detected in the overall analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study indicates that the STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphism was significantly associated with a decreased RA risk in an Asian population.

• Authors: X Jiang, Z Zhou, Y Zhang, H Yang, K Ren
• Journal: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology (Scand J Rheumatol) Vol. 43 Issue 6 Pg. 477-80 ( 2014) ISSN: 1502-7732 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25179669 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis)

Chemical References

• STAT4 Transcription Factor
• STAT4 protein, human
• Rheumatoid Factor

Topics

• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (blood, etiology, genetics)
• Asian People (genetics)
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Humans
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Rheumatoid Factor (blood)
• Risk
• STAT4 Transcription Factor (genetics)