Association between the LCE3C-LCE3B deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to psoriasis: A meta-analysis of published studies

Objective: To determine whether a deletion comprising the LCE3C and LCE3B genes (LCE3C-LCE3B-del) confers susceptibility to psoriasis. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association between the LCE3C-LCE3B-del polymorphism and psoriasis. Results: A total of 12,196 patients with psoriasis and 13,092 controls from 19 comparative studies were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed a significant association between psoriasis and the LCE3C-LCE3B-del allele (odds ratio [OR], 1.220; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.152-1.292; p<1.0×10^-9). Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the LCE3C-LCE3B-del allele and psoriasis in Europeans and Asians (OR, 1.213; 95% CI, 1.130-1.302; p=8.0×10^-9 and OR, 1.260; 95% CI, 1.135-1.398; p=1.4×10^-6, respectively). Analysis using a recessive model, dominant model, and homozygote contrast showed the same pattern for the LCE3C-LCE3B-del allele. The analysis performed in a single Tunisian study showed no association between the LCE3C-LCE3B-del allele and psoriasis. Meta-analysis of the LCE3C-LCE3B-del allele showed no association between psoriatic arthritis and the LCE3C-LCE3B-del polymorphism (OR, 1.087; 95% CI, 0.870-1.359; p=0.464). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrates a significant association between psoriasis and the LCE3C-LCE3B-del polymorphism in Europeans and Asians, but no association with psoriatic arthritis.