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Meta‐analysis: a functional polymorphism in the gene encoding for activity of the serotonin transporter protein is not associated with the irritable bowel syndrome
Author(s) -
VAN KERKHOVEN L. A. S.,
LAHEIJ R. J. F.,
JANSEN J. B. M. J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03453.x
Subject(s) - irritable bowel syndrome , serotonin transporter , medicine , serotonin , gene , polymorphism (computer science) , genetics , transporter , gastroenterology , bioinformatics , biology , receptor , genotype
Summary Background Serotonin is associated with symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome, its action is terminated by the serotonin transporter protein. Aim To assess the association between a functional polymorphism in the gene encoding for activity of the serotonin transporter protein and the irritable bowel syndrome. Methods Meta‐analysis of studies identified through a Medline, PubMed and Web of Science search, describing the prevalence of a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene creating long and short alleles. Results Eight eligible studies described a total of 1034 patients with the irritable bowel syndrome, and 1377 healthy controls. Presence of the short allele is not associated with an increased risk for the irritable bowel syndrome: OR 1.0; 95% CI: 0.7–1.4 for homozygous subjects, and OR 1.0; 95% CI: 0.8–1.2 for homozygous subjects and heterozygotes together. Although Caucasians and Asians had diverging genotypic frequencies, no association with the shot allele and irritable bowel syndrome was observed in subgroups: Asians OR 1.2; 95% CI: 0.9–1.6 and OR 1.1; 95% CI: 0.2–5.9; Caucasians OR 0.9; 95% CI: 0.5–1.7 and OR 0.9; 95% CI: 0.7–1.2, respectively, for homozygous subjects alone and for homozygous subjects and heterozygotes together. Conclusion A genetic polymorphism in the gene encoding for activity of the serotonin transporter protein is not associated with the irritable bowel.