Meta-Analysis:

ABSTRACT

The relationship between RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) -403A/G polymorphism and susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were still controversial and unclear. This meta-analysis was performed to resolve this issue. After literature search, eight studies, comprising 2749 cases and 2753 controls, were collected and determined eligible for analysis. No significant association was found between the 403A/G A allele and persistent HBV infection (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.96–1.13, P = 0.34). By using subgroup analysis divided by ethnicity, significant association was found between the RANTES -403A/G gene polymorphism and susceptibility to HBV infection in the allele model for the Caucasian group (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.38–2.04, P < 0.001). In the genotype model, there was also a significant association between -403A/G and the risk of HBV infection (AG versus GG: OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.42–2.41, P < 0.001; AG+AA versus GG: OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.35–2.26, P < 0.001) among Caucasians. When using healthy individuals as controls, there were significant associations between the SNP and HBV infection (A versus G: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.39, P = 0.002; AG+AA versus GG: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.12–1.56, P = 0.001). When comparing the Han Chinese (CHB) and spontaneously recovered people, there was also a significant association (A versus G: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.37, P = 0.002). In conclusion, in the Caucasian population, the RANTES -403A allele is a risk factor of susceptibility to persistent HBV infection. The RANTES -403A/G polymorphism is likely to associate with the persistent infection of hepatitis B virus, regardless of virus clearance. More studies are needed to validate this relationship.