Relationship between the 308GA polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene and acute or chronic pancreatitis: a meta-analysis

Background: Several studies have examined the association between G308A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha gene and acute or chronic pancreatitis, but the results are still controversial. Objective: Assess whether a relationship exists between G308A polymorphism of TNF-alpha gene and acute or chronic pancreatitis using meta-analysis. Methods: Relevant studies were identified from the electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents. This meta-analysis included 10 case-control studies, where 1,253 acute or chronic pancreatitis cases and 1,269 controls were included. Results: The combined results based on all studies showed no relationship between the 308GA polymorphism of TNF-alpha gene and pancreatitis. When stratifying by types of disease, results were similar for both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Comparing severe with mild acute pancreatitis, we found no statistical association. When stratifying for race, results were similar among Asians and Caucasians. Conclusion: There was no association between the 308GA polymorphism of TNF-alpha gene and acute or chronic pancreatitis.