Meta-analysis of the correlation between the TNF-α 308G/A polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene 308G/A polymorphism may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) risk. However, this relationship is controversial. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the correlation between the TNF-α 308G/A polymorphism and susceptibility to PCOS. A systematic electronic search of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted using specific inclusion criteria. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated, and all statistical analyses were performed using STATA 12.0. The results of our meta-analysis showed no significant association between the TNF-α 308G/A polymorphism and PCOS risk (AA vs GG: OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.31-2.08; AG vs GG: OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 0.59-1.81; dominant model: OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 0.60-1.71; recessive model: OR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.35-2.16). Based on the statistical data, our meta-analysis indicates that the TNF-α 308G/A sequence variation may be not related to PCOS susceptibility. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.