Association between FOXP3 polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases: A meta-analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore whether theFOXP3−3279 A/C polymorphism and (GT)nmicrosatellite polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between theFOXP3−3279 A/C polymorphism and (GT)15and (GT)16polymorphisms and autoimmune diseases.Results: Twenty-two comparative studies with a total of 7962 patients and 7453 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed an association between autoimmune disease and theFOXP3−3279 AA + AC genotype (OR = 1.480, 95% CI = 1.263–1.614,p < 1.0 × 10−9), and stratification by ethnicity indicated a significant association between theFOXP3−3279 AA + AC genotype and autoimmune diseases in Asians (OR = 1.416, 95% CI = 1.225–1.637,p = 2.5 × 10−7) and non-Caucasians (OR = 1.432, 95% CI = 1.245–1.647,p = 7.5 × 10−8). In addition, correctedpvalues for multiple testing remained significant. Meta-analysis revealed no association between autoimmune disease and theFOXP3(GT)15allele (OR = 1.051, 95% CI = 0.933–1.183,p = 0.413). Similarly, theFOXP3(GT)16allele showed no associations with autoimmune disease.Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that theFOXP3−3279 A/C polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to autoimmune disease in Asians and non-Caucasians. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]