A mete-analysis of the association of apoE gene polymorphisms and gallstone / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the relationship between apoE gene polymorphisms and gallstone. Methods We included all the published studies on the association between apoE gene polymorphisms and gall-stone. A meta-analysis was employed to summarize all these studies, calculate the pooled OR and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) , and test the overall effects. The Egger's publication bias analysis and sensitivity analysis were carried out to evaluate the reliability and stability of the meta-analysis. Results Eleven association studies between the apoE gene polymorphisms and gallstone fulfilled our inclusion criteria. There were 1248 patients with gallstones and 1660 controls. Remarkable heterogeneities were discovered in the allele ε4 and genotype E3/E4 of apoE between gallstone and control subjects in these studies (P<0. 05). Their ORs and 95%CIs were 1.32 (1.01, 1. 71), 1. 60 (1. 04, 2. 46), respectively (P<0. 05). The results of sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis showed the reliability and stability of this meta-analysis. Conclusion apoE gene polymorphisms are associated with gallstone. Those with the alleleε4 or genotype E3 /E4 had a higher risk of suffering from gallstone.