Significant Association between Microrna Gene Polymorphisms and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Susceptibility in Asian Population: A Meta-Analysis

Background The gene polymorphisms in microRNA might relate to susceptibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the results of existing studies were inconsistent and obscure. To investigate the precise associations between microRNA gene polymorphisms and T2DM risk, the present meta-analysis was performed. Methods The literatures were searched from four electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, CNKI and Wan-fang. Subsequently, odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were both used to evaluate the associations between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (microRNA146a rs2910164 (G>C), microRNA124a rs531564 (C>G)) and risk of T2DM in Asian population. Results Totally, there were 4 studies included in our present analysis in the language of English and Chinese. There were partly significant associations between susceptibility of T2DM and SNPs (microRNA146a rs2910164 (G>C), microRNA124a rs531564 (C>G)). The G allele in microRNA146a rs2910164 (G>C) and C allele in microRNA124a rs531564 (C>G) both presented remarkably reduced risk of T2DM when compared with the healthy population. Conclusion The microRNA146a rs2910164 (G allele) and microRNA124a rs531564 (C allele) might function as protective factors in the pathogenetic process of T2DM in Asian population.