Association between TNF-alpha (-308 A/G,-238 A/G,-857 C/T) polymorphisms and responsiveness to TNF-alpha blockers in spondyloarthropathy, psoriasis and Crohn's disease: a meta-analysis

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate whether TNF-alpha polymorphisms are associated with the responsiveness to anti-TNF-alpha therapy in patients with spondyloarthropathy, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis on the association between the TNF-alpha polymorphisms and responsiveness of patients. Results: The meta-analysis indicated an association between the TNF-alpha -308 G allele (OR = 2.005; 95% CI: 1.417-2.838; p = 8.6 x 10-5), TNF-alpha -238 G allele (OR = 2.196; 95% CI: 1161-4.154; p = 0.016), and TNF-alpha -857 C allele (OR = 1.779; 95% CI: 1.130-2.802; p = 0.013) and response to TNF-alpha blockers in Caucasians. Conclusion: Individuals carrying the TNF-(omega) over bar -308 G, -238 G, or -857 C common alleles show better responses to TNF-alpha blockers than those with minor alleles in Caucasians.