Objective: Previous studies have evaluated the associations of TNF-α, IL-10 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to pSS, but the results remained controversial. To assess the associations between TNF-α-308, IL-10-1082, -819, -592 polymorphisms and pSS risk, a meta-analysis was conducted.
Method: The available articles were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE. ORs with 95% CIs were calculated to determine the strength of associations by fixed-effects or random-effects models. The data about IL-10-1082, -819, -592 polymorphisms were analyzed in the additive, dominant and recessive modes. The associations between haplotypes of IL-10 gene and susceptibility to pSS were also assessed.
Results: A total of 9 relevant studies were identified in the meta-analyses. TNF-α-308 A allele was significantly associated with pSS (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.53-2.13). The IL-10 -1082 G allele and the genotype "GCC/ATA" were identified as a candidate genetic risk factor for pSS. Under the dominant model for -819 and -582, the overall ORs suggested that individuals with genotype (CC+TC) or (CC+AC) may have a 59% increased risk of pSS in Caucasians population (OR = 1.59, 95% CI:1.09-1.23). Besides, the genotype "ATA/ATA" may be a protective factor against the development of pSS in Caucasians (OR = 0.40, 95% CI:0.19-0.84).
Conclusion: The meta-analysis demonstrated TNF-α-308 A, IL-10-1082 G allele were significantly associated with pSS susceptibility, supporting these alleles were predisposing factors for pSS. In Caucasian population, the genotype "ATA/ATA" may be a protective factors.