Susceptibility and REF1 gene polymorphism towards colorectal cancer.

Published data on the relation between REF1 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk showed inconclusive results. The aim of this study was to derive a comprehensive estimation of the association. Data on association between REF1 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk were summarized. The association was estimated by calculating an odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) with the fixed effects model when P > 0.1 (from heterogeneity test) or with the random effects model when P < 0.1. No significant association was revealed in any genetic model assumed for the overall analysis (OR = 1.03, 95 % CI = 0.81-1.32 for Glu/Glu vs. Asp/Asp; OR = 1.05, 95 % CI = 0.96-1.15 for Glu/Glu + Asp/Glu vs. Asp/Asp; OR = 0.97, 95 % CI = 0.76-1.23 for Glu/Glu vs. Asp/Glu + Asp/Asp; OR = 1.03, 95 % CI = 0.92-1.16 for Glu vs. Asp; OR = 1.09, 95 % CI = 0.93-1.27 for Asp/Glu vs. Asp/Asp). In Caucasian population, nor did we find a significant association. This research indicates that REF1 polymorphism is unlikely to be associated with colorectal cancer risk.