Contribution of Rs780094 and Rs1260326 Polymorphisms in GCKR Gene to Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis Involving 26,552 Participants.

BACKGROUND

Many published studies attempted to elucidate the implication of glucokinase regulator gene (GCKR) polymorphisms in the susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the results among them were still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aims to precisely assess the relationship between the GCKR polymorphisms and the risk of NAFLD.

METHODS

Systematic computerized searches in six databases were performed and updated on April 6, 2020. Meta-analyses were conducted by calling the R programs based on accumulated epidemiological data. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidential interval (CI) were calculated to summarize the effect estimates.

RESULTS

In total, 25 studies including 6,598 cases and 19,954 controls were included. The pooled estimates indicated that the T allele carrier of the GCKR rs780094 polymorphism has predisposition to NAFLD (allele model: OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.111.29; homozygote model: OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.151.67; heterozygote model: OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.121.39; dominant model: OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.131.47; recessive model: OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.061.31), and the same as the rs1260326 polymorphism (allele model: OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.221.42; homozygote model: OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.401.94; heterozygote model: OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.071.43; dominant model: OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.211.59; recessive model: OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.281.62). Further stratified analyses according to age and ethnicity confirmed the statistical existence in most subgroups.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that both of the GCKR rs780094 and rs1260326 polymorphisms are significantly associated with the increased risk of NAFLD.