Association of IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism with susceptibility to tuberculosis: A meta-analysis involving 6794 subjects.

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-4 (lL-4) is a critical negative cytokine in tuberculosis (TB) immune process, acting through modulating macrophages activation and Th1/Th2 balance. rs2243250 has been demonstrated to be associated with enhanced promoter strength in IL-4 expression. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism and TB risk.

METHODS

We identified relevant studies by a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, published up to February 10, 2021. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and its 95% confidential intervals (95%CIs) were used to evaluate the associations under five genetic models. All statistical analyses were conducted with STATA 12.0 software.

RESULTS

Totally 11 qualified studies involving 3097 TB cases and 3697 controls were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Overall, we didn't detect any significant association between IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism and TB risk (T vs. C: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.85-1.30, p = 0; 65; TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.73-1.50, p = 0.81; TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.81-1.50, p = 0.54; TT vs. CC: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.71-1.94, p = 0.54; TC vs. CC: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.73-1.45, p = 0.88). Significant heterogeneity was identified in analyses under all genetic models. However, in the subgroup of European population, the recessive model provided an OR of 2.54 (1.30-4.96), with no significant between-study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our meta-analysis indicated that IL-4 rs2243250 may increase TB risk in European population in recessive genetic model. Further research is needed to clarify the cause of ethnic difference in genetic association study.