Associations between the SLC22A12 gene and gout susceptibility: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to explore whether the polymorphisms of rs475688 and rs3825016 in the solute carrier family 22 member 12 (SLC22A12) gene are associated with the susceptibility to gout or hyperuricaemia.

METHODS

Relevant studies were enrolled by searching databases systematically. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the associations. Q-test and I2 statistics were used to evaluate the heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg's funnel plots and Egger regression test.

RESULTS

A total of 7 articles involving 1216 patients and 1844 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. Significant association was detected between rs475688 polymorphism and gout susceptibility in three genetic models (C vs. T: OR=1.464, 95% CI 1.078-1.989, p=0.015; CC+CT vs. TT: OR=2.028, 95% CI 1.488-2.763, p=0.000; CC vs. CT+TT: OR=2.226, 95% CI 1.746-2.838, p=0.000). Significant association was observed between rs3825016 polymorphism and hyperuricaemia susceptibility only in allelic comparison (C vs. T: OR=1.274, 95% CI 1.101-1.474, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The rs475688 polymorphism is associated with gout susceptibility. The correlation between rs3825016 polymorphism of SLC22A12 and hyperuricaemia susceptibility is possible.