TP53 Codon 72 Polymorphism with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The association between codon 72 polymorphism of the tumour protein p53 (TP53) gene — which results in a mis-sense mutation of arginine (R) to proline (P) – and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. A meta-analysis was performed in order to define this relationship more precisely. METHODS: Published studies of TP53 codon 72 polymorphism and the risk of HCC were identified. Data were extracted, and summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Pooled ORs were determined for an additive model (R/R versus P/P), a dominant model ([R/R + R/P] versus P/P) and a recessive model (R/R versus [R/P + P/P]). RESULTS: The meta-analysis included seven case—control studies (total 1511 cases and 2165 controls). The risk of cancer was significantly decreased in the overall dominant model and the dominant model in Asian populations. A significantly decreased risk was found for all models in hospital-based but not population-based studies. There was no association between polymorphism and cancer risk when data were stratified according to hepatitis B or C virus infection status. CONCLUSION: The TP53 codon 72 polymorphism may be a risk factor for HCC.