Association between polymorphisms in ERCC2 gene and oral cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis

Background: Excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2) plays important roles in the repair of DNA damage and adducts. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ERCC2 gene are suspected to influence the risks of oral cancer. We performed a meta-analysis to systematically summarize the possible association of ERCC2 rs1799793 and rs13181 polymorphisms with oral cancer risks. Methods: We retrieved the relevant articles from PubMed and Embase databases. Studies were selected using specific criteria. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated to assess the association. All analyses were performed using the Stata software. Results: Six studies were included in this meta-analysis. There were no significant associations between ERCC2 rs1799793 and rs13181 polymorphism with overall oral cancer risk. In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, no significant associations were found. In the stratified analysis by tumor type, the risk of oral leukoplakia was significant associated with rs13181 polymorphism (AC vs. AA: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01-1.62, P = 0.546 for heterogeneity, I-2 = 0.0%; CC vs. AA: OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 0.99-3.79, P = 0.057 for heterogeneity, I-2 = 60.1%; dominant model AC + CC vs. AA: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.08-1.69, P = 0.303 for heterogeneity, I-2 = 17.6%; allele C vs. A: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.04-1.82. P = 0.043 for heterogeneity, I-2 = 56.4%). Conclusion: Rs13181 in ERCC2 gene might be associated with oral leukoplakia risk.