Gene polymorphism associated with TGF ‐β1 and susceptibility to preeclampsia: A meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis

AIM: Mounts of researches focused on the link between transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) polymorphisms and preeclampsia (PE) which is a hypertensive multisystemic disorder affecting pregnancy. However, the results were inconsistent. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to obtain more conclusive results. METHODS: Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to evaluate the relationship between six TGF-β1 polymorphisms (rs1800468, rs1800469, rs1800470, rs1800471, rs4803455, and rs4803457) and PE susceptibility in five genetic models. The subgroup stratified analysis and trial sequential analysis were performed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in this meta-analysis with 1941 PE patients and 2488 healthy women. There was no statistically significant association between these six TGF-β1 polymorphisms and PE within five genetic models in the overall population (all p > 0.05). Subgroup stratified analysis revealed there was statistically significant association between TGF-β1 rs1800469 polymorphism and PE within the allele, recessive, and homozygous model in Asian (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.35; OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.06-1.72; OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.07-2.05, respectively; all p < 0.05). Trial sequential analysis indicated sufficient proof of such association in the Asian population. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-β1 rs1800469 is a possible risk factor for PE in Asian populations.