Meta‐analysis of the association between the interleukin‐1A −889C/T polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease

No clear consensus has been reached on the Interleukin‐1A (IL‐1A) −889C/T polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. In this meta‐analysis, 27 case–control studies were assessed to evaluate the possible association. Overall, positive associations of the IL‐1A −889C/T polymorphism with AD risk were found in allele comparison T vs. C (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01–1.18), recessive model TT vs. CT + CC (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01–1.45), and homozygote comparison (TT vs. CC; OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.04–1.67). In subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, significant associations were demonstrated in Caucasians but not in Asians. In subgroup analysis according to the age of onset, the data showed a significant association in patients with late‐onset AD in Caucasians but not in early‐onset AD. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis supports the idea that IL‐1A –889C/T polymorphism is capable of causing AD and LOAD susceptibility in Caucasians but not in Asians. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.