The MDM2 309TG polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk: a meta-analysis of 1534 cases and 2211 controls

Background Recently, there have been a number of studies on the association between MDM2 (Murine Double Minute 2) 309 polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk. However, the results of previous reports remain controversial and ambiguous. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to explore more precisely the association between MDM2 309 polymorphism and the risk of ovarian cancer. Methods A meta-analysis was performed to examine the association between MDM2 309T>G polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for statistical analysis. Results Our publication search identified a total of 6 studies with 1534 cases and 2211 controls. No significant association was found between MDM2 309T>G polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk in total population analysis. In the subgroup meta-analysis by ethnicity, a negative association was shown in Asian subgroup (G vs. T OR = 0.774, 95% CI = 0.628–0.955, P = 0.017, Phet = 0.327; GG vs. TT: OR = 0.601, 95% CI = 0.395–0.914, P = 0.017, Phet = 0.417; dominant model TG+GG vs. TT: OR = 0.661, 95% CI = 0.468–0.934, P = 0.019, Phet = 0.880), and no significant association in any genetic models among Caucasians was observed. Conclusions This meta-analysis provides evidence for the association between MDM2 309 polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk, supporting the hypothesis that MDM2 SNP309 G allele acts as an important ovarian cancer protective factor in Asians but not in Caucasians.