Alpha-synuclein (SNCA) polymorphisms and susceptibility to Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis.

It has been reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Alpha-synuclein (SNCA) are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Some researchers have attempted to validate this finding in various ethnic populations. The results of studies concerning SNCA polymorphisms and PD susceptibility remain conflicting. To evaluate the association between these SNPs and PD, the authors conducted a series of meta-analyses using a predefined protocol. Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE and PD gene were searched to identify relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association. All analyses were calculated using STATA11.0. A total of 19 studies on the SNPS rs181489, rs356186, rs356219, rs894278, rs2583988, rs2619363, rs2619364, rs2737029, rs10005233 and rs11931074 were included. This meta-analysis showed that eight out of these 10 candidate SNPs may be associated with PD risk. Significant association was found between PD and the following SNPs: rs181489, rs356186, rs356219, rs894278 rs2583988, rs2619364, rs10005233 and rs11931074. Among these SNPs, rs356186 was found to be the only SNP that may play a protective role in Parkinson's disease. These results suggest that the SNCA gene may be associated with PD.