The role of TNF alpha polymorphism and expression in susceptibility to nasal polyposis

Objective: In this study, we first performed a meta-analysis to assess the role of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) gene and TNF alpha expression in the risk of nasal polyposis.Methods: STATA 12.0 software was utilized to conduct the Mantel-Haenszel statistics, Cohen statistics, Begg's test, Egger's tests and sensitivity analysis.Results: We systemically carried out the database retrieval and initially identified 486 articles. After screening, 15 articles were included in our meta-analysis. For TNF alpha rs1800629G/A SNP, compared with control group, an increased risk of nasal polyposis of case group was observed in the models of A vs. G [p (P value of association)=0.009, OR (odds ratio)=1.35], GA vs. GG (p=0.001, OR=1.69), GA+AA vs. GG (p=0.010, OR=1.47). The similar results were observed in Caucasian subgroup (p < 0.05, OR > 1). For TNF alpha rs361525G/A SNP, no significant difference between control and case group was detected (all p > 0.05). In addition, a significant difference exists between case and control groups in the meta-analyses of TNF alpha expression in nasal mucosal cells, secreted TNF alpha (p < 0.05, OR > 1), but not serum TNF alpha (p=0.090).Conclusion: The present meta-analysis revealed that TNF alpha rs1800629, increased TNF alpha expression and secretion of nasal mucosal cells were associated with an increased risk of nasal polyposis.