Transforming Growth Factor-Beta3 Gene Polymorphisms and Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Aims: To investigate the association between transforming growth factor-beta3 (TGF-3) genetic polymorphisms and nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) risk. Methods: An extensive literature search for relevant studies was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from their inception through June 1st, 2013. Case-control studies addressing the correlation between TGF-3 gene polymorphisms and NSCLP risk. The genotype distribution of the controls should conform to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The quality of the included studies was assessed independently by two authors based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. All analyses were calculated using the STATA 12.0 software. Results: The association between TGF-3 gene polymorphisms and NSCLP risk was assessed. Eleven case-control studies were included with a total of 1601 NSCLP cases and 1463 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis results indicated that mutant variants of the TGF-3 gene may be associated with an increased risk of NSCLP, especially among Asian populations. Further subgroup analyses also revealed significant associations between mutant variants of the TGF-3 gene and an increased risk of NSCLP in the population-based and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism studies. Meta-regression analyses showed that ethnicity may be a major source of heterogeneity. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests that TGF-3 gene polymorphisms may contribute to NSCLP susceptibility, especially among Asian populations.