Meta-analysis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) 765G>C polymorphism and Alzheimer’s disease

• This study focused on the association between the COX-2 765G>C polymorphism and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
• The COX-2 765G>C polymorphism decreased the risk for AD in all five genetic models.
• Large-scale, population-based association studies are required to reach a comprehensive understanding of COX-2 polymorphism and AD.

The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) 765G>C polymorphism has been extensively investigated for association with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, results of different studies have been inconsistent. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between the 765G>C polymorphism of the COX-2 gene and susceptibility to AD. We searched all related subjects in PubMed, Embase, SinoMed, and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database and identified seven studies that reported a relationship between the COX-2 765G>C polymorphism and AD. A total of 1260 cases and 1112 controls were included in the seven studies. Our data suggest that the COX-2 765G>C polymorphism may decrease the risk of AD in five genetic models. As a result, this meta-analysis suggests the 765G>C polymorphism of the COX-2 gene may be a protective factor for AD. As our sample size was limited, large-scale, well-designed studies are necessary to validate the association between the COX-2 765G>C polymorphism and AD.