Objective:
A number of studies have reported that aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (
ALDH2
) polymorphisms maybe associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the results of such studies are inconsistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the association between
ALDH2
polymorphisms and the risk of AD and PD.
Methods:
Five online databases were searched and the relevant studies were reviewed from inception through May 10, 2018. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in each genetic model of the general population and various subgroups. Furthermore, we simultaneously performed heterogeneity, cumulative, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses.
Results:
Overall, nine case-control studies involving 5,315 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. Potential associations were found between the
ALDH2
rs671 G>A polymorphism and the risk of AD (A vs. G: OR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.01–2.11,
P
= 0.05,
I
2
= 84.2%; AA vs. GG: OR = 2.22, 95%CI = 1.03–4.77,
P
= 0.04,
I
2
= 79.2%; AA vs. GG+GA: OR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.03–3.64,
P
=0.04,
I
2
= 71.1%). In addition, some similar results were observed in other subgroups. Moreover, no significant association between
ALDH2
polymorphisms and PD risk.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, our meta-analysis indicated that the
ALDH2
rs671 G>A polymorphism plays an important role in AD development.