The polymorphism (Gln261Arg) of 12-lipoxygenase and cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies suggest that the Gln261Arg polymorphism in 12-lipoxygenase gene is assicated with cancer susceptibility, but the results are inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the overall association between the Gln261Arg polymorphism in 12-lipoxygenase gene and cancer risk. METHODS: Literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase and other databases for studies evaluating the association between the Gln261Arg polymorphism in 12-lipoxygenase gene and cancer risk. Data were extracted and statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 software. RESULTS: A total of eight publications involving 8,379 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. Combined analysis revealed a significant association between this polymorphism and cancer susceptibility with an OR of 1.19 (95% CI: 1.09-1.31, P=0.000 for Gln/Gln vs. Arg/Gln + Arg/Arg). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that the cancer risk associated with the Gln261Arg polymorphism in 12-lipoxygenase gene was significantly elevated among Asians (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.10-1.34, P=0.000 for Gln/Gln vs. Arg/Gln + Arg/Arg), but not among Caucasians. Subgroup analysis by cancer type suggested that the Gln261Arg polymorphism in 12-lipoxygenase gene is not a risk factor for colon cancer or rectal cancer. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that the Gln261Arg polymorphism in 12-lipoxygenase gene contributes to cancer susceptibility, specifically in Asian populations. More studies are needed to validate our findings.