CDH1 Gene Promoter Polymorphism and the Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: CDH1 polymorphism has been suggested to be associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). However, relevant findings remain inconsistent across studies. This meta‑analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between CDH1 -160C/A and -347G/GA polymorphisms and GC risk. Methods: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases up to December 20, 2025. Pooled OR and 95% (95% CI) were calculated using fixed‑ or random‑effects models. Results: A total of 25 articles were included, involving 28 studies (4,836 cases and 6,187 controls) for the -160C/A polymorphism and 8 studies (1,201 cases and 1,611 controls) for the -347G/GA polymorphism. Overall, significant associations were identified between CDH1 polymorphisms and GC risk: -160C/A (recessive model: OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.03-1.58; AA vs. CC: OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.61); -347G/GA (G/GA vs. GG: OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.04-1.44). In stratified analyses by histological type, the CDH1 -347G/GA polymorphism was associated with an elevated risk of diffuse‑type GC (G/GA vs. GG: OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.62). Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that the two CDH1 promoter polymorphisms may contribute to GC susceptibility. Further large-scale and well-designed studies are needed to verify these results.