IL-13 polymorphisms contribute to the risk of asthma: A meta-analysis

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of interleukin-13 (IL-13) polymorphisms on the risk of asthma using a meta-analysis. Design and methods: Fifteen publications were identified by searching Pubmecl, Embase, ISI, OVID, and EBSCO databases. Odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed to estimate the association between IL-13 polymorphisms and risk of asthma. Results: The polymorphisms of R130Q (rs20541) and -1112C/T (rs1800925) in IL-13 gene were associated with significantly increased risks of asthma in overall analyses. Subgroup analyses showed that the elevated risks occurred in adult-onset asthma, Caucasians, and high quality studies. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides evidence that the R130Q and -1112C/f polymorphisms in IL-13 are risk factors for asthma. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.