An assessment of a TNF polymorphic marker for the risk of HCV infection: meta-analysis and a new clinical study design.
A number of studies have investigated the association between TNF-alpha -308G/A polymorphism and the risk of HCV infection; the results of these studies are conflict, however. To provide a more definitive conclusion, a meta-analysis combining and summarizing 12 studies was performed. The Mantel-Haenszel and DerSimonian-Laird methods were employed in traditional fixed effects and random effects meta-analysis, respectively. The capability of a Bayesian approach was highlighted in the estimation of a pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, as well as in the calculation of a sample size for the new study design. Heterogeneity and publication bias across the studies were also explored. The results of the meta-analysis (OR=1.179, CI=0.833-1.649) suggest no significant association between TNF-alpha -308G/A polymorphism and susceptibility to HCV infection in the combined populations. However, there was evidence indicating a possible impact of ethnicity (Asian vs. non-Asian populations) on the association evaluated here (beta(ethnicity)=0.293+/-0.271). While the power of existing Asian studies was insufficient to make a statistical statement, the sample size of a new clinical study was estimated (500 subjects with 80% statistical power) for further assessment of an association between TNF-alpha -308G/A polymorphism and risk of HCV infection in Asians.
Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China. ychen@njmu.edu.cn
Yun
Y
Chen
Jianping
J
Pei
D044466:Asian People; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D016174:Hepacivirus; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000208:ethnology / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012307:Risk Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics*
D005819:Genetic Markers; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha