Association between the ghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism and type 2 diabetes risk: A meta-analysis

AimsData on the association between the ghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism and type 2 diabetes are conflicting. A meta-analysis was performed on this topic.MethodsWe searched for case–control studies using electronic databases (Medline and PubMed) and reference lists of studies. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) assuming dominant, recessive and homozygote comparison genetic models were calculated.ResultsSix case–control studies involving a total of 3417 cases and 3081 controls were included in this meta-analysis. No association was found between the ghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism and type 2 diabetes risk in the overall population in dominant, recessive and homozygote comparison models. However, in subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, we found that the risk for type 2 diabetes was decreased in subjects with Met72 + genotypes in Caucasians (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64–0.98, Pz = 0.030).ConclusionThe ghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism was protective against type 2 diabetes in Caucasians. Future studies performed in larger sample size are needed to allow a more definitive conclusion.

► There was no association between Leu72Met polymorphism and type 2 diabetes risk in the overall population.
► In Caucasians, the risk for type 2 diabetes was decreased in subjects with Met72 + genotypes.
► The Leu72Met polymorphism was not correlated with type 2 diabetes in Asians.