Objective: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. To date, several publications have evaluated the association between the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) –308G/A polymorphism and glaucoma risk. However, the results remain inconclusive. The aim of our study was to clarify the effect of the TNF-α –308G/A polymorphism on glaucoma risk. Method: We conducted searches of the published literature in the PubMed database updated to May 2010. A meta-analysis was performed by critically reviewing 7 publications with a total of 1,199 glaucoma cases and 1,189 controls on the –308G/A polymorphism. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of this relationship. Results: Overall, no association between the TNF-α –308G/A polymorphism and primary open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma risk was found in the A allele versus G allele genetic model (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 0.78–3.59 or OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 0.40–15.04, respectively), the same as genetic models in AG versus GG and AA + AG versus GG. In the stratified analysis by ethnicity and source of control subgroups, a significant association was still not observed in all genetic models. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the TNF-α –308G/A polymorphism is not associated with different forms of glaucoma risk.

Keywords:
Tumor necrosis factor α polymorphism, Meta-analysis, glaucoma, Glaucoma risk
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel
2011
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.