BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia affected by multiple cardiovascular risk factors. It is reported that caveolin-1 gene (CAV1) rs3807989 polymorphism might be associated with AF risk. The goal of this meta-analysis was to confirm the association between CAV1 rs3807989 polymorphism and susceptibility to AF.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a comprehensive literature search through the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLIN, and Web of Science. We performed a meta-analysis of all selected studies based on CAV1 rs3807989 polymorphism genotypes, including 3758 cases and 6126 controls.

RESULTS: After meta-analysis with fixed- or random-effects models, we found significant associations in all 5 comparisons: allelic model (G/A; OR=1.228, 95%CI: 1.061–1.420; P=0.006), homozygote model (GG/AA; OR=1.439, 95%CI: 1.094–1.894; P=0.009), heterozygote model (GG/GA; OR=1.257, 95%CI: 1.064–1.486; P=0.007), dominant model (GG/AA+GA; OR=1.287, 95%CI: 1.076–1.540; P=0.006), and recessive model (AA/GA+GG; OR=0.738, 95%CI: 0.629–0.867; P<0.001). Sensitivity analysis results revealed the overall results were robust.

CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed a significant association between CAV1 gene rs3807989 polymorphism and susceptibility to AF, suggesting that the presence of allelic G might be one of the genetic factors conferring susceptibility to AF. To confirm this association, further well-designed studies are necessary.

Keywords: Alleles, Atrial Fibrillation - genetics, Caveolin 1 - metabolism, Gene Frequency, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Risk Factors