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Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Asthma Risk: Systematic Review and Updated Meta-analysis of Case–Control Studies

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Abstract

Background

The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and asthma risk has been inconsistently investigated, but published studies demonstrated conflicting results. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of TaqI, BsmI, ApaI, and FokI VDR polymorphisms on asthma disease by using a meta-analysis approach.

Methods

Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic search and meta-analysis of the literature were conducted. Subgroup analyses were performed to detect potential sources of heterogeneity from selected study characteristics.

Results

A total of 2,097 cases and 1,968 controls in eight case–control studies were included in meta-analyses. A significant association was found between TaqI polymorphisms and asthma risk [OR 1.488 (95 % CI 1.019–2.174); P = 0.040] in a codominant model. In the same way, BsmI was significantly associated with asthma risk [OR 2.017 (95 % CI 1.236–3.851); P = 0.017] in the codominant model. The homozygote BB BsmI genotype was found to confer significant asthma risk. FokI polymorphism was marginally associated with asthma risk [OR 1.187 (95 % CI 0.975–1.446); P = 0.088] in the codominant model. In contrast, no significant association was found between ApaI polymorphism and asthma risk. Subgroup analyses revealed that gender and age modified significantly the association between FokI polymorphisms and asthma risk (P = 0.035 and 0.013, respectively). Publication year and serum 25(OH) D level tended, marginally, to moderate the association between FokI polymorphism and asthma risk.

Conclusion

TaqI, BsmI, and FokI VDR polymorphisms contribute to asthma susceptibility. The association between FokI polymorphism and asthma risk is influenced by study characteristics.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Correspondence to Kalthoum Tizaoui.

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Tizaoui, K., Berraies, A., Hamdi, B. et al. Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Asthma Risk: Systematic Review and Updated Meta-analysis of Case–Control Studies. Lung 192, 955–965 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-014-9648-8

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