Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism and the susceptibility of sepsis: A meta-analysis

Objective To assess the association between the Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to sepsis using a meta-analysis. Methods The publications were searched on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to December 1, 2019 for relevant literature. Results A total of 32 studies (21 adult and 11 pediatric studies) were selected for analysis. Overall, in the three models of MBL +54 A/B gene polymorphisms, namely the dominant model BB + AB vs. AA (p = 0.03), the recessive model BB vs. AB + AA (p < 0.00001), and the allele model B vs. A (p = 0.04), MBL +54 A/B was significantly related to the risk of sepsis. In the adult group, the MBL A/O gene polymorphism was associated with the risk of sepsis in the dominant model AO + OO vs. AA (p = 0.006) as well as in the allele model O vs. A (p = 0.04). The MBL +54 A/B gene polymorphism was significantly related to the risk of sepsis in the recessive model and, therefore, may increase the risk of sepsis. In the pediatric group, no polymorphic loci were significantly associated with sepsis in any of the three models. The results of the publication bias test demonstrated no publication bias in an unadjusted estimate of the relationship between MBL A/O and −211Y/X gene polymorphism and sepsis. Conclusions The polymorphisms of MBL that are related to the occurrence of sepsis are primarily A/O and +54 A/B, while −221Y/X and −550H/L have no clear relationship with the susceptibility of sepsis in various age groups or different models.