Associations of IL-1, 6, and 10 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: Insights from a Meta-Analysis.

Aim: To determine if there are significant associations between polymorphisms of the IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10 genes and susceptibility to recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for all eligible studies using both medical subheadings and free terms through December 2016. A total of 226 citations were retrieved. Odds ratios were used to quantitatively evaluate the associations of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10 gene polymorphisms with RAS risk. A meta-analysis was performed, and heterogeneity, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses were carried out to clarify and validate the pooled results.

Results: A total of 11 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. This current systematic review indicated that the IL-1b+3954 C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with an elevated risk of RAS onset for all inheritance models, except for the dominant model. For the IL-10-592 C/A polymorphism, protective associations with RAS were found using both the additive and recessive models, while it increased the risk of RAS in the codominant model. In Asian populations, the IL-10-1082 G/A polymorphism was associated with a protective effect for RAS using the allelic, additive, and recessive models. The IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism was not statistically associated with RAS risk.

Conclusion: The IL-1b+3954 C/T polymorphism significantly increases RAS risk. In addition, the IL-10-1082 G/A polymorphism provided protective effects for RAS in the Asian population.