Association between Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene A1166C polymorphisms have been inconsistently associated with ischemic stroke risk. We examined these associations by performing a meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a search of articles published from January 2000 to October 2010 using the following keywords: (angiotensin II type 1 receptor) or (AT1R) or (AGT1R) and (stroke) or (cerebral infarction) or (cerebral embolism). Eleven studies testing the association between AT1R gene A1166C polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk were included. The analyses were performed using the Review Manger 5. 0. 25 software package. RESULTS: The combined data showed no association between the AT1R 1166 AC/CC and ischemic stroke risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1. 08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0. 87-1. 34, p = 0. 49). In the subgroup analyses, the association was also not significant among the White populations (OR = 1. 10, 95% CI 0. 88-1. 38, p = 0. 39) or the Asian populations (OR = 0. 99, 95% CI 0. 56-1. 77, p = 0. 98). LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity and publication bias existed in this meta-analysis, which might have affected the analysis result. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis suggests that the AT1R gene A1166C polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to ischemic stroke.