Association between the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 rs671 G>A Polymorphism and Head and Neck Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta-analysis in East Asians.
BACKGROUND
Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) plays an important role in the alcohol detoxification and acetaldehyde metabolism. Published studies have demonstrated some inconsistent associations between ALDH2 rs671 G>A polymorphism and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk.


METHODS
A meta-analysis was performed to provide pooled data on the association between the ALDH2 rs671 G>A polymorphism and HNC risk. Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine the pooled effect size of each genetic model. In addition, heterogeneity test, accumulative analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were conducted to test the statistical power.


RESULTS
Thirteen publications (14 independent case-control studies) involving 10,939 subjects were selected. The stratified analysis indicated that both light/moderated drinking (eg. GA vs. GG: OR=1.47, 95%CI=1.16-1.86, P<0.01, I2 =81.1%) and heavy drinking would increase HNC risk with rs671 G>A mutation (eg. GA vs. GG: OR=2.30, 95%CI=1.11-4.77, P=0.03, I2 =81.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, this meta-analysis suggested that the ALDH2 rs671 G>A polymorphism maybe plays an important synergistic effect in the pathogenesis of HNC development in East Asians.