Background
This study aimed to discuss the relationship between interferon regulatory factor (IRF)5 gene rs2004640 T/G polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility.
Methods
A meta‐analysis was calculated on the association between rs2004640 polymorphism and SLE by allelic contrast (T vs G), additive model (TT vs GG), recessive model (TT vs TG + GG) and dominant model (TT + TG vs GG).
Results
A total of 28 comparisons were identified, including 11 228 SLE cases and 14 374 controls. Meta‐analysis revealed a significant association between allele T and SLE in overall populations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.393, 95% CI: 1.276‐1.522, P < 0.001). Stratification by ethnicity indicated strong associations between T allele and SLE in Asians, Europeans and Latin Americans (OR = 1.256, 95% CI: 1.073‐1.469, P = 0.004; OR = 1.338, 95% CI: 1.080‐1.659, P = 0.008; OR = 1.853, 95% CI: 1.488‐2.308, P < 0.001). Results also showed significant associations between the additive model and SLE in all subjects and Asians (OR = 1.999, 95% CI: 1.442‐2.771, P < 0.001; OR = 1.544, 95% CI: 1.009‐2.362, P < 0.045). In addition, we found significant associations between the dominant model and SLE in all populations and Asians (OR = 1.521, 95% CI: 1.257‐1.841, P < 0.001; OR = 1.270, 95% CI: 1.136‐1.421, P < 0.001). A marginal association was detected between the recessive mode and SLE in overall subjects (OR = 1.480, 95% CI: 1.022‐2.144, P = 0.038).
Conclusion
The current study suggested that individuals carrying rs2004640 T allele correlated with a high risk of SLE, and the IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism was associated with SLE susceptibility.