Effect of a common genetic variant microRNA-146a rs2910164 on colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveThere is emerging evidence that the microRNA-146a (miR-146a) rs2910164 polymorphism might be associated with the susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, previous published studies have failed to achieve a definitive conclusion. We aimed to address this issue in an updated meta-analysis. MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, China BioMedicine, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar to identify eligible studies. Case-control studies written in English that evaluated the association between miR-146a polymorphism and CRC were included. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated in the quantitative synthesis. ResultsOverall seven case-control studies including a total of 2978 cases and 3576 cancer-free or healthy controls were enrolled in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that there was no association between miR-146a G/C rs2910164 polymorphism and CRC risk either in the overall analysis or among Asians, when stratified on the basis of ethnicity. ConclusionmiR-146a G/C genetic polymorphism was not related to the susceptibility to CRC.