TOX3 rs3803662 C > T polymorphism contributes to breast cancer susceptibility in the Chinese population: evidence from 12,800 cases and 11,550 controls

The association between the TOC high mobility group box family member 3 (TOX3) gene rs3803662 C > T polymorphism and breast cancer risk have been investigated in multiple ethnic groups. However, studies conducted in the Chinese population have yielded contradictory results. Therefore, we performed the current meta-analysis to drive a more precise evaluation of the association between TOX3 rs3803662 C > T polymorphism and breast cancer risk in the Chinese population. A total of seven eligible studies with 12,800 cases and 11,550 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Overall, the SNP was shown to significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the Chinese population under all genetic models (homozygous model: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.17-1.39, P < 0.001; heterozygous model: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03-1.22, P = 0.009; recessive model: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.11-1.23, P < 0.001; dominant model: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.10-1.30, P < 0.001; as well as allele comparison: OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09-1.18, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, no between-study heterogeneity and publication bias was observed, indicating the reliability of the findings. In conclusion, our meta-analysis results suggested that TOX3 rs3803662 C > T polymorphism might confer increased susceptibility to breast cancer in the Chinese population.