CD14 −159 C>T Gene Polymorphism with Increased Risk of Tuberculosis: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) gene is an important component of the human innate immune system and its role in tuberculosis (TB) has been sparsely documented. The enhanced plasma CD14 levels in TB patients as compared to healthy controls are associated with CD14 gene promoter (C-159T) polymorphism. In the past few years, the relationship between CD14 −159 C>T (rs2569190) polymorphism and risk of TB has been reported in various ethnic populations; however, those studies have yielded contradictory results. In this study systemic assessment was done for the published studies based on the association between CD14 −159 C>T polymorphism and TB risk retrieved from PubMed (Medline) and EMBASE search. A total number of 1389 TB cases and 1421 controls were included in this study and meta-analysis was performed to elucidate the association between CD14 −159 C>T polymorphism and its susceptibility towards TB. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for allele contrast, homozygous comparison, heterozygous comparison, dominant and recessive genetic model. It was found that T allele carrier was significantly associated with increased TB risk (T vs. C: p-value = 0.023; OR = 1.305, 95% CI = 1.038 to 1.640). Similarly, homozygous mutant TT genotype also revealed 1.6 fold increased risk of TB (TT vs. CC; p-value = 0.040; OR = 1.652, 95% CI = 1.023 to 2.667). Additionally, dominant genetic model demonstrated increased risk of developing TB (TT vs. CC+CT: p-value = 0.006; OR = 1.585, 95% CI = 1.142 to 2.201). The study demonstrates that CD14 gene (−159 C>T) polymorphism contributes increased susceptibility for TB. Moreover, this meta-analysis also suggests for future larger studies with stratified case control population and biological characterization for validation studies.</p></div

Forest plots (C vs. T; TT vs. CC; TT vs. CC+CT) of CD14 −159 C>T polymorphism in association with TB risk.

<p>A meta-analysis was performed including previous reports by comprehensive meta-analysis program. Random model of meta-analysis was employed for calculation of the combined odds ratios and p-values.</p

Main characteristics of all seven studies included in a meta-analysis.

<p>Note: HB = Hospital based.</p

Distribution of gene polymorphism of studies included in a meta-analysis.

<p>Distribution of gene polymorphism of studies included in a meta-analysis.</p

Forest plots (CT vs. CC; TT+CT vs. CC) of CD14 −159 C>T polymorphism in association with TB risk.

<p>A meta-analysis was performed including previous reports by comprehensive meta-analysis program. Random model of meta-analysis was employed for calculation of the combined odds ratios and p-values.</p