Epidemiological evidence for associations between variants in microRNA or biosynthesis genes and lung cancer risk

In the past decade, the studies involving single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs (miRNAs) with lung cancer (LC) risk have been performed, however, these results are inconsistent, and a systematic research synopsis has not been performed yet. Therefore, we attempted to perform comprehensive meta-analyses to assess the relationships between SNPs in miRNAs or biosynthesis genes and LC risk and further evaluate the epidemiological credibility of these significant associations. We used PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science to search for relevant articles published before 30 May 2019 that assessed relationships between SNPs in miRNAs or biosynthesis genes and LC risk. The cumulative epidemiological evidence of statistical relationships was further assessed combining Venice Criteria and a false-positive report probability test. Based on 20 publications with 15 969 cases and 17 174 controls, we found that six variants in miRNAs or biosynthesis genes that proved significant associations with LC risk, whereas five proved no association. Subgroup analyses by ethnicity and genetic models were performed, suggesting that four associations were rated as demonstrating strong evidence of relationship with LC risk, including miRNA-146a rs2910164 in all populations under dominant model and in Asians under dominant and recessive models, and AGO1 rs595961 in Asians under allelic model. Three associations were graded as moderate, and seven associations were rated as weak. This study presents the relationships between SNPs in miRNAs or biosynthesis genes and LC risk, subsequently demonstrates the credibility of these significant associations, and highlights the role in the pathogenesis of LC.