BACKGROUND: The association between peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) Pro12Ala polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is still controversial. A meta-analysis was performed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochran databases. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used. Dominant model, recessive model, and additive model were used in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Fifteen studies including 13575 cases and 17085 controls were included in our meta-analysis. Result of this meta-analysis found that PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism was significantly associated with a reduced risk of CRC (OR=0.90; 95% CI 0.83–0.98; P=0.01). No significant association was found between PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and CRC risk in Asians (OR=0.80; 95% CI 0.60–1.09; P=0.15). However, PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism was significantly associated with a reduced risk of CRC in Caucasians (OR=0.91; 95% CI 0.83–0.99; P=0.03). When stratified analysis was performed by CRC site, no positive association was found between PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and rectal cancer (OR=0.95; 95% CI 0.74–1.22; P=0.71). However, a reduced risk of colon cancer was observed (OR=0.85; 95% CI 0.76–0.94; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study suggests that PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism was a protective factor of CRC.

Keywords: Asian Continental Ancestry Group - genetics, Colorectal Neoplasms - genetics, European Continental Ancestry Group - genetics, Genetic Association Studies, Genetic Predisposition to Disease - genetics, Models, Genetic, Mutation, Missense - genetics, Odds Ratio, PPAR gamma - genetics, Polymorphism, Genetic - genetics