The association of TGFB1 genetic polymorphisms with high myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The TGFB1 gene is among the most studied genes in high myopia due to its role in scleral remodeling. But reported findings of association on TGFB1 and high myopia are inconsistent. This present study is to evaluate the association of TGFB1 polymorphisms and high myopia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on studies published up to April 5, 2015. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were analyzed. Heterogeneity across studies was evaluated by Cochran Q statistic test and the I-2 index. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by the approach of one-study remove to assess the influence of single study on the combined effect. Results: Eight studies were included in this study for meta-analysis. Rs1982073 was associated with high myopia in dominant model (OR= 1.64; 95% CI= 1.04 similar to 2.58; P< 0.05), heterozygous model (OR= 1.54; 95% CI= 1.02 similar to 2.33; P< 0.05), homozygous model (OR= 1.90; 95% CI= 1.01 similar to 3.55; P= 0.05) and allelic model (OR= 1.36; 95% CI= 1.01 similar to 1.84; P= 0.05). However, there was no statistical significance when Bonferroni correction was considered. Rs4803455 was associated with high myopia in recessive model (OR= 0.40; 95% CI= 0.25 similar to 0.64; P< 0.01) and homozygous model (OR= 0.42; 95% CI= 0.26 similar to 0.68; P< 0.01). Rs1800469 was associated with high myopia in allelic model (OR= 0.78; 95% CI= 0.64 similar to 0.96; P< 0.05). And the associations can withstand Bonferroni correction in models mentioned above when referring to rs4803455 (P< 0.01) and rs1800469 (P< 0.05). Conclusions: Meta-analysis of existing data revealed a suggestive association of TGFB1 rs1982073 and rs4803455 with high myopia.