The aim of this study was to explore whether the miR-146a polymorphism (rs2910164) confers susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
A meta-analysis was conducted on the association of the miR-146a polymorphism with SLE and RA.
Five studies with 2013 patients and 2555 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed no association between SLE and the miR-146a G allele (odds ratio, OR = 1.007, 95 % confidence interval, CI = 0.910-1.114, p = 0.888). Additionally, no associations were found between the miR-146a polymorphism and SLE using recessive or dominant models, or homozygote contrast. Meta-analysis using allele contrast, recessive and dominant models, as well as homozygote contrast failed to reveal an association between the miR-146a polymorphism and RA (OR for G allele = 1.114, 95 % CI = 0.892-1.391, p = 0.342).
This meta-analysis demonstrates that the miR-146a polymorphism is not associated with susceptibility to SLE and RA. However, considering the small number of studies, further studies are needed to confirm this result.