CYP17 T27C polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis based on 31 studies

ObjectiveThe cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17) plays a vital role in androgen biosynthesis. A T-to-C polymorphism in the 5′ promoter region of CYP17 has been implicated as a risk factor for prostate cancer, but the results of individual studies are inconclusive or controversial. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, we performed an updated meta-analysis from 31 studies based on 27 publications.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted to examine all the eligible studies of CYP17 polymorphism and prostate cancer risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association.ResultsOverall, individuals with CC/CT genotype were not associated with prostate cancer risk (CC vs. TT: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.86–1.24, P = 0.72, Pheterogeneity < 0.0001; CT vs. TT: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.87–1.12, P = 0.88, Pheterogeneity = 0.0006). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, there was a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer among individuals of African descent under the recessive model (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.01–2.39, P = 0.04, Pheterogeneity = 0.65).ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggested that CYP17 polymorphism might be associated with prostate cancer risk among individuals of African descent.