PCSK9 Gene E670G Polymorphism and Coronary Artery Disease: an Updated Meta-Analysis of 5,484 Subjects

Objective: Research has shown a possible relationship between the E670G polymorphism of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene and an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there is no clear consensus on the subject because of conflicting results in the literature. The current meta-analysis was performed to better elucidate the potential relationship between the PCSK9 gene E670G polymorphism and CAD. Methods: There were 5,484 subjects from 13 individual studies who were included in the current meta-analysis. The fixed- or random-effects models were used to evaluate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The current meta-analysis found a significant association between PCSK9 gene E670G polymorphism and CAD under allelic (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.42-2.27, P = 1.00 × 10-6), dominant (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.61-2.89, P = 2.22 × 10-7), heterozygous (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.55-2.64, P = 2.47 × 10-7), and additive genetic models (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.49-2.49, P = 6.70 × 10-7). Conclusions: PCSK9 gene E670G polymorphism was associated with an elevated risk of CAD, especially in the Chinese population. More specifically, carriers of the G allele carriers of the PCSK9 gene may be predisposed to developing CAD.