Objective To quantitatively summarize the association between tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene polymorphisms and Graves disease.
Design and methods Relevant studies were identified from the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Chinese Bio-medicine Database. A meta-analysis of relevant studies was performed.
Results This meta-analysis included 10 case-control studies, which included 2271 Graves disease cases and 2633 controls. The combined results based on all studies showed that there was significant difference in genotype distribution (-308A/G; -308G/G; -863C/C; -863C/A; -1031C/T) between Graves disease and controls. When stratifying for race, statistically significant results were observed in three genotypes distribution (-863C/C; -863C/A; -1031C/T) between Graves disease and controls among Asians. Statistically significant results were observed in only two genotypes distribution (-308A/G; -308G/G) between Graves disease and controls among Caucasians.
Conclusions This meta-analysis suggests that TNF-α gene polymorphisms at positions -308 (G-308A), -863 (C-863A), and -1031 (T-1031C) were associated with Graves disease.