Association between MTR A2756G and MTRR A66G polymorphisms and maternal risk for neural tube defects: A meta-analysis

BackgroundMethionine synthase (MTR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) genes have been considered to be implicated in the development of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the results are inconsistent. Accordingly, we conducted a meta-analysis to further investigate such an association.MethodsPublished literature from PubMed and Embase databases was retrieved. All studies evaluating the association between MTR A2756G or MTRR A66G polymorphism and maternal risk for NTDs were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the fixed- or random-effects model.ResultsA total of 11 studies (1005 cases and 2098 controls) on MTR A2756G polymorphism and 10 studies (1211 cases and 2003 controls) on MTRR A66G polymorphism were included. Overall, this meta-analysis revealed no significant association between maternal MTR A2756G polymorphism and NTD susceptibility in either genetic model. A significant association between MTRR A66G polymorphism and maternal risk for NTDs was observed for GG vs. AA (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.67) among Caucasians.ConclusionThe present meta-analysis indicated that MTRR A66G polymorphism, but not MTR A2756G, is significantly associated with maternal risk for NTDs in Caucasians.

► MTR and MTRR as maternal NTD risks were both investigated. ► MTR A2756G might not be associated with maternal NTD risk. ► MTRR 66GG genotype may be associated with maternal NTD risk. ► Meta-analysis can increase the statistical power by pooling different studies.