C1420T Polymorphism of Cytosolic Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase and Risk of Cancer: a Meta-analysis

Abstract

A series of studies have explored the role of cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT1) C1420T polymorphism in cancer risk, but their results were conflicting rather than conclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the association between C1420T and cancer risk, the present meta-analysis of 28 available studies with 15,121 cases and 18,023 controls was conducted. The results revealed that there was no significant association between the polymorphism and cancer risk overall. In stratified analysis by cancer type (breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and others), the results showed that 1420T allele was associated with decreased risk in leukemia . In summary, the findings suggest that SHMT1 C1420T polymorphism is not associated with overall cancer development, but might decrease cancer susceptibility of Asians as well as reduce leukemia risk. Large well-designed epidemiological studies will be necessary to validate the risk identified in the current meta-analysis.

Association Between SHMT1 rs1979277 Polymorphism and Risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Previously, Vijayakrishnan and Houlston25 conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 2 published studies,16,19 which included 697 cases and 1038 controls, the results shown that SHMT1 rs1979277 heterozygotes may reduce the risk of ALL 25. Zhong et al26 also conducted a meta-analysis including 4 published studies15,17–19 consisted of 1494 cases and 1721 controls, the results also showed that 1420T allele was a protective factor for leukemia. The difference between results of the fore-mentioned 2 meta-analyses and this study may because of the small sample size and the populations they have included.…”