Six polymorphisms in the lncRNA H19 gene and the risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundNumerous studies have demonstrated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) play an important role in the occurrence and progression of cancer, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in lncRNA are considered to affect cancer suspensibility. Herein, a meta-analysis was carried out to better assess the relationship of H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.MethodsA literature search was conducted through using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to obtain relevant publications before Aug 23, 2022. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated to identify additional relevant articles. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to appraise the risk of various cancers.ResultsThere appeared to be a remarkable correlation between the rs2107425 variation and decreased cancer risk among Caucasians. Nevertheless, the rs217727 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Also, we found a significant correlation between the rs2839698 polymorphism and increased cancer risk among Asians, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, hospital-based control and larger simple size subgroups, respectively. Similarly, the rs3741219 mutation was notably related to cancer risk in higher quality score. As for rs3024270 polymorphism, the homozygous model was markedly linked to cancer risk in overall analysis and population-based controls. There was no significant association between the rs3741216 polymorphism and cancer risk.ConclusionH19 rs2839698 and rs3024270 were closely associated with overall cancer risk. H19 rs2107425 was related to lower cancer risk among Caucasians, while the rs2839698 was related to increased cancer risk among Asians. Our results supported that H19 SNPs were significantly correlated with cancer risk.

Automated summary

In this meta-analysis, a significant association was found between H19 gene polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility. Specifically, the rs2107425 variation was related to decreased cancer risk among Caucasians, while the rs217727 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, the rs2839698 polymorphism was linked to increased cancer risk among Asians and in different cancer types (such as gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma) and larger study populations. Overall, H19 SNPs were found to be significantly correlated with cancer risk.