Association of TNF-α polymorphism with prediction of response to TNF blockers in spondyloarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis

Aim: To explore whether TNF- promoter -308 A/G and -857 C/T polymorphisms have an association with responsiveness to TNF blockers in spondyloarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: Six relevant studies with a total of 211 spondyloarthritis patients and 392 inflammatory bowel disease patients were included. The results showed that the common allele (G and C, respectively) showed a better responsiveness than the minor allele (A and T, respectively). The -308 G/G genotype (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.36-3.91; p = 0.002) and -857 C/C genotype (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.35-9.92; p = 0.01) responded better to therapy, which was different from the results of some studies included. Conclusion: Individuals with the TNF--308 G allele and -857 C allele showed better anti-TNF- treatment responses than those with the TNF--308 A allele and -857 T allele. The -308 G/G genotype and -857 C/C genotype are predictors of good response. Original submitted 30 May 2013; Revised submitted 25 July 2013