An Updated Trial Sequential Meta-analysis of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism (Fok1, Bsm1, Taq1 and Apa1) and Risk to Tuberculosis

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is one of the most widely studied genes for the Tuberculosis (TB) susceptibility. Several studies have been conducted to establish some association between them but most of the time they are contradictory and underpowered. So, a trial sequential meta-analysis between VDR gene polymorphisms and TB susceptibility can provide a better understanding of the relationship. A meta-analysis was carried out using a total of 17 case-control studies which includes Fok1 (14 Studies), Bsm1 (8 Studies), Apa1 (8 Studies) and Taq1 (12 Studies) polymorphisms in the VDR gene searched from Pubmed and Google Scholar. Pooled Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated using StatsDirect Version 3, using random effects model. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was also performed to assess if the statistical significance of the meta-analysis was within monitoring boundaries.