Meta-analysis of the association between five single nucleotide polymorphisms in the BDNF gene and allergic inflammation susceptibility

The association between five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (rs6265, rs10767664, rs12273539, rs962369 and rs11030101) and allergic inflammatory disease susceptibility has been extensively reported, while the conclusions were inconclusive. The present study was designed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the relationship between the BDNF polymorphisms and allergic disease risks. A comprehensive literature search of the shared public electronic databases was conducted before September 1, 2016. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using review manager 5.3. Eleven eligible studies (a total of 5217, 6432, 6432, 6432, 4216 subjects focused on rs6265, rs10767664, rs12273539, rs962369 and rs11030101, respectively) were finally contained. Significant genetic association of rs6265 variant and susceptibility of allergic inflammation was observed under allele contrast, recessive and over-dominant model in the overall analysis. Besides, stratified analysis by ethnicity found that the close relationship between rs6265 polymorphism and increased allergic disease risk of Caucasian was observed under recessive and over-dominant model, as well as under allele contrast, recessive, homozygous and over-dominant model in the Asian. Additionally, subgroup analysis based on the disease types showed the obvious relation of rs6265 and asthma risk in several hereditary model. Moreover, strong association between rs10767664 polymorphism and extraordinary risk of allergic disease was also detected in four genetic models. However, no association was discovered with rs962369, rs12273539 and rs11030101. The present meta-analysis suggested that the SNPs (rs10767664 and rs6265) in the BDNF gene is potentially associated with increased allergic disease susceptibility.