Association between H63D polymorphism and alcoholic liver disease risk: A meta-analysis

Objectives: Gene plays an important role in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The H63D polymorphism (rs1799945, C>G) of hemochromatosis (HFE) gene has been found to be related to alcoholic liver disease in various studies. To classify the association between H63D polymorphism and alcoholic liver disease susceptibility, we performed a meta-analysis. Methods: We retrieved published studies on the association between H63D and ALD by electronic database (Embase, PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science). Related data was extracted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed with fixed effect model or random effect model. Sensitivity analysis and Publication bias have also been presented. Results: Nine eligible studies were included, with a total of 2720 controls and 1200 cases. The pooled results showed that a significantly increased risk of ALD susceptibility was observed in homozygote model (GG versus CC: OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.39-3.75, I²=0%, P_H=0.999) and recessive model (GG versus GC+CC: OR=2.22, 95% CI 1.35-3.65, I²=0%, P_H=0.999). Ethnic subgroup analysis showed similar results in Caucasian: homozygote model (GG versus CC: OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.39-3.75, I²=0%, P_H=0.999), recessive model (GG versus GC+CC: OR=2.22, 95% CI 1.35-3.65, I²=0%, P_H=0.999). In the subgroup analysis by genotyping method and quality, the effects remained in high quality studies and PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that H63D polymorphism (rs1799945) is associated with ALD susceptibility, especially for GG genotype in Caucasian. H63D polymorphism of HFE gene may be a potential target in gene therapy for alcoholic liver disease patients.