Association between IL-6 –174G/C polymorphism and acute rejection of renal allograft: Evidence from a meta-analysis

BackgroundResults from published studies on the association of donor or recipient IL-6 –174G/C (rs1800795) polymorphism with acute rejection (AR) of renal allograft are conflicting. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the possible association.MethodsStudies were identified by searching PUBMED and EMBASE until July 1, 2011. Meta-analysis was performed in a fixed/random effects model using Revman 5.0.25 and STATA10.0.ResultsSeven studies addressing the association between donor high producer genotype (G/G and G/C) of IL-6 –174G/C polymorphism and acute rejection of renal allograft were identified. Pooled OR based on 341 cases (whose recipient developed acute rejection) and 702 controls (whose recipient did not develop acute rejection) was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.26–1.33; p = 0.20), with a strong between-study heterogeneity. No association was observed in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity. 13 studies evaluating the association between recipient IL-6 –174G/C polymorphism and acute rejection were identified. Pooled OR based on 451 cases (patients did not develop acute rejection) and 848 controls was 1.00 (95% CI = 0.72–1.37; p = 0.98), with a weak between-study heterogeneity.ConclusionsDonor high producer genotype (G/G and G/C) of IL-6 –174G/C polymorphism had a tendency of decreased risk for acute rejection, although it was not statistically significant. Recipient high producer genotype was not associated with acute rejection of renal allograft. Additional well designed studies with larger sample size are needed to support our findings, especially for the association between donor high producer genotype (G/G and G/C) of IL-6 –174G/C polymorphism and acute renal allograft rejection.

► We searched PUBMED and EMBASE until July 1, 2011.
► 16 eligible studies were identified.
► Donor G/G and G/C genotype had a tendency of decreased risk for acute rejection.
► Recipient G/G and G/C were not associated with acute renal allograft rejection.