Association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T polymorphism and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a meta-analysis.

A variety of epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), but the results were inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to clarify more accurately the association of this polymorphism with SSNHL. A systematic literature search of the associated studies up to May 1, 2014, was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Statistical analyses were performed by STATA12.0 software, with odds ratios (ORs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Six eligible studies including covering 1,271 objects were identified. A pooled analysis of these studies showed no significant association between C677T polymorphism and risk of SSNHL: T vs. C (OR = 1.334, POR = 0.105); TT vs. CC (OR = 1.580, POR = 0.231); CT vs. CC (OR = 1.500, POR = 0.123); TT vs. CC + CT (OR = 1.326, POR = 0.293); and TT + CT vs. CC (OR = 1.540, POR = 0.102). But in subgroup analysis, a significant association was found in European populations (T vs. C, OR = 1.542, 95 % CI 1.008-2.359, P = 0.046; TT vs. CT + CC, OR = 1.856, 95 % CI 1.245-2.767, P = 0.002). There was no significant association in any model in the Asian populations. The present meta-analysis suggests that MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism is significantly associated with increased risk of SSNHL disease in European populations, but no statistically significant association was found between the MTHFR C677T gene mutation and SSNHL in Asian. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this association.