Interleukin-16 gene polymorphisms rs4778889, rs4072111, rs11556218, and cancer risk in Asian populations: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES

Some polymorphisms of the interleukin-16 (IL-16) gene are associated with various cancers. To resolve inconsistencies in published data, we performed a meta-analysis of studies of IL-16 polymorphisms and cancer risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven eligible studies pooling 1678 cases and 1937 controls were quantitatively analyzed to evaluate three IL-16 polymorphisms (rs4778889, rs4072111, rs11556218) and cancer risk. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) for controls was evaluated by goodness-of-fit chi-squared tests. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each genetic model and allelic comparison. Data were pooled using fixed- or random-effects models depending on heterogeneity across studies.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the IL-16 polymorphism rs11556218 was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to cancer in several models, including allelic contrast (OR=1.307; 95% CI, 1.108-1.541), heterozygote contrast (OR=1.650; 95% CI, 1.424-1.911), and dominant model (OR=1.605; 95% CI, 1.391-1.845). The result remained consistent after adjustment for age and gender. No significant association was found between IL-16 polymorphisms rs4778889 rs4072111 and cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The rs11556218 T/G polymorphism of the IL-16 gene was significantly associated with elevated cancer risk in Asian populations. Our results warrant larger, better-designed studies, including a greater ethnic variety.