Associations between TNFSF4 and TRAF1-C5 gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether tumor necrosis factor superfamily 4 (TNFSF4) and TNF receptor-associated factor 1-complement 5 (TRAF1-C5) polymorphisms confer susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsThe authors conducted meta-analyses on associations between polymorphisms of the TNFSF4 (rs2205960, rs1234315, rs10489265) and TRAF1-C5 (rs10818488, rs3761847) genes and SLE susceptibility, using fixed and random effects models.ResultsA total of 21 comparative studies were included in this meta-analysis; meta-analysis showed an association between the minor allele of rs2205960 of TNFSF4 and SLE in all study subjects (odds ratio [OR] = 1.356, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.275–1.442, p < 1.0 × 10−9). Meta-analysis revealed an association between the minor alleles of rs1234315 and rs10489265 of TNFSF4 and SLE in Asians (OR = 1.366, 95% CI = 1.295–1.440, p < 1.0 × 10−9; OR = 1.463, 95% CI = 1.208–1.771, p = 9.7 × 10−5). The minor allele of rs10818488 of TRAF1-C5 was found to be significantly associated with SLE in Europeans (OR = 1.210, 95% CI = 1.115–1.313, p = 5.0 × 10−6). The association p-values remained significant after multiple corrections.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis confirms that TNFSF4 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to SLE in Asians and Europeans. An association was found between the rs10818488 polymorphism of TRAF1-C5 and susceptibility to SLE in Europeans.