The tumour necrosis factor-[alpha] 308G>A genetic polymorphism may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne: a meta-analysis

Summary Background Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-[alpha] is considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of acne. Aim To estimate the association between the TNF-[alpha] 308G>A polymorphism and the pathogenesis of acne. Methods A literature search of the PubMed and CNKI databases from inception to December 2013 was conducted. Meta-analyses were performed, and the OR and 95% CI calculated. The strength of association was assessed under five genetic models: allele (A vs. G), dominant (AA+AG vs. GG), recessive (AA vs. GG+AG), homozygous (AA vs. GG), and heterozygous (AA vs. AG). Results Seven case-control studies were included, with a total of 987 patients with acne and 1078 healthy controls. The meta-analysis result showed a significant association between TNF-[alpha] 308G>A and the pathogenesis of acne under the recessive (OR = 3.13, 95% CI 1.67-5.86, P < 0.001), homozygous (OR = 3.03, 95% CI 1.63-5.63, P < 0.001) and heterozygous (OR = 3.16, 95% CI 1.61-6.20, P < 0.001) models. The subgroup analysis showed a significant association with male sex (recessive: OR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.26-11.25, P = 0.02, homozygous: OR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.03-10.22, P = 0.04) and severe acne (recessive: OR = 4.62, 95% CI 1.73-12.34, P < 0.01; homozygous: OR = 3.41, 95% CI 1.18-9.89, P = 0.02). Conclusion Our findings indicate that genotype AA of TNF-[alpha] 308G>A may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne. Thus, detection of the TNF-[alpha] 308G>A polymorphism may be a promising biomarker for the early detection of acne. Click here for the corresponding questions to this CME article.