This meta-analysis was aimed to investigate the association between -572G/C interleukin (IL)-6 gene polymorphism and occurrence risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Springer and Google Scholar up to November 2018. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by Revman 5.3.
A total of six case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. In the allele model (G vs C), homozygous gene model (GG vs CC), recessive gene model (GG vs GC + CC), and dominant gene model (GG + GC vs CC), the pooled estimate indicated there was significant association between -572G/C IL-6 gene polymorphism and risk of RA. However, no significant statistical results were found in meta-analyses of heterozygote gene models.
The -572G/C IL-6 gene polymorphism is associated with the risk of RA. The GG genotype may be the main contributor in increasing susceptibility to RA.