Association of the CCR5Δ32 polymorphism and its ligand RANTES-403G/A polymorphism with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

To explore the relationship between polymorphisms in the RANTES and CCR5 genes and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis on two genetic variants (RANTES-403G/A and CCR5Δ32). Publication bias was tested by the Egger's regression test and Begg's test. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneity among studies.

RESULTS

No significant association of RANTES-403G/A polymorphism and CAD risk was observed (dominant model: RR=1.02, 95%CI=0.90-1.06; recessive model: RR=1.27, 95%CI=0.90-1.80). However, after excluding the study conducted by Yangsoo et al., the pooled relative ratio (RR) in the dominant model suggested that the RANTES-403G/A polymorphism was positively associated with CAD risk. The subgroup analyses found that a positive relationship between the polymorphism and CAD risk was restricted to the Caucasian population. A meta-analysis of studies on the CCR5Δ32 polymorphism showed no significant association with CAD risk both in dominant (RR=1.05, 95%CI=0.92-1.21) and recessive (RR=1.27, 95%CI=0.90-1.80) models. Moreover, no association was identified in the subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The RANTES-403G/A polymorphism is not associated with CAD risk, but does most likely increase CAD risk in Caucasians. Moreover, no relationship between the CCR5∆32 polymorphism and risk of CAD was found.