ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 R219K polymorphism and coronary artery disease in Chinese population: a meta-analysis of 5,388 participants

The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) R219K gene polymorphism has been suggested to lower the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, research results remain debatable. Meta-analysis involving 2,730 CAD patients and 2,658 controls was performed to investigate the relationship between ABCA1 R219K gene polymorphism and CAD in Chinese population. A total of 14 studies which were obtained from electronic databases were analyzed. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were estimated by a random effect model. A significant association between ABCA1 R219K gene polymorphism and CAD was found in the Chinese population under the following genetic models: an allelic genetic model (OR 0.70, 95 % CI 0.62-0.78, P < 0.00001), a recessive genetic model (OR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.41-0.64, P < 0.00001), an additive genetic model (OR 0.816, 95 % CI 0780-0.855, P = 0), a dominant genetic model (OR 1.326, 95 % CI 1.232-1.427, P = 0), a homozygote genetic model (OR 0.640, 95 % CI 0.575-0.712, P = 0), and a heterozygote genetic model (OR 0.640, 95 % CI 0.575-0.712, P = 0). The K allele of the ABCA1 R219K gene has a protective role for CAD risk in Chinese population and is possibly associated with decreased CAD susceptibility.