Lack of Association between XPF Polymorphisms and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group F (XPF or ERCC4) plays a key role in DNA repair that protects against genetic instability and carcinogenesis. Several epidemiological studies have examined associations between XPF polymorphisms and gastric cancers risk, but the findings remain inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted the present meta-analysis to obtain the most reliable estimate of the association. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Wanfang were searched. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and pooled to assess the strength of the association between 3 commonly studied polymorphisms of XPF (rs744154, rs6498486, rs1799801) and gastric cancer risk. The pooled ORs were performed for the co-dominant model (homozygous and heterozygous), dominant model, and recessive model. 3 studies on rs744154, 3 studies on rs6498486, and 4 studies on rs1799801 were included in our meta-analysis. Results: Our results show that the genotype distribution of the 3 polymorphisms was not associated with risk of gastric cancer in all genetic models. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that the 3 common XPF polymorphisms rs744154, rs6498486, and rs1799801 are not associated with gastric cancer risk. However, large-sample and representative populationbased studies with homogeneous gastric cancer patients and well-matched controls are warranted to confirm this finding.