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Candidate gene studies of fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rheumatology International volume 32, pages 417–426 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore whether the candidate gene polymorphisms contribute to fibromyalgia susceptibility. The authors conducted a meta-analysis on associations between serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) S/L allele, catechol-O-methltransferase (COMT) val158Met, and serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor 102T/C polymorphisms and fibromyalgia susceptibility as determined using the following: (1) allele contrast, (2) recessive, (3) dominant models, and (4) contrast of homozygotes. We also performed a systematic review with available data of the candidate genes. A total of 21 separate comparisons were considered in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Seventeen candidate genes and over 35 different polymorphisms were identified in studies on fibromyalgia susceptibility. Meta-analysis of the 5-HTTLPR S/L allele and COMT val158Met failed to reveal any association with fibromyalgia. However, meta-analysis of the C allele, CC + CT genotype, and CC versus TT genotype of the 5-HT2A receptor 102T/C polymorphism showed significant association with fibromyalgia. The overall OR of the association between the C allele and fibromyalgia was 1.333 (95% CI = 1.053–1.688, P = 0.017). The ORs for the CC + CT genotype, and CC versus TT genotype showed the same pattern as that observed for the C allele (OR = 1.541, 95% CI = 1.032–2.303, P = 0.035; OR = 1.838, 95% CI = 1.151–2.936, P = 0.011). This meta-analysis demonstrates that the 5-HT2A receptor 102T/C polymorphism confers susceptibility to fibromyalgia. In contrast, no association was found between the 5-HTTLPR S/L allele, COMT val158Met, and susceptibility to fibromyalgia.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a Korea University Grant.

Conflict of interest

We have no financial and non-financial conflicts of interest.

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  1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 126-1, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-705, Korea

    Young Ho Lee, Sung Jae Choi, Jong Dae Ji & Gwan Gyu Song

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Correspondence to Young Ho Lee.

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Lee, Y.H., Choi, S.J., Ji, J.D. et al. Candidate gene studies of fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatol Int 32, 417–426 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-010-1678-9

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