An Integrated Meta-Analysis of Two Variants in HOXA1/HOXB1 and Their Effect on the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders
2011

Meta-Analysis of HOXA1 and HOXB1 Variants and Autism Risk

Sample size: 113 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Song Ran-Ran, Zou Li, Zhong Rong, Zheng Xia-Wen, Zhu Bei-Bei, Chen Wei, Liu Li, Miao Xiao-Ping

Primary Institution: Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Hypothesis

The study investigates the association between HOXA1 A218G and HOXB1 nINS/INS variants and the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Conclusion

The meta-analysis suggests that the HOXA1 A218G and HOXB1 nINS/INS variants may not contribute significantly to ASD risk.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study included 11 reports in the meta-analysis.
  • Overall, no significant association was found between the variants and ASD risk.
  • The cumulative analysis showed a tendency toward null-significant association over time.

Takeaway

The study looked at two specific gene changes to see if they are linked to autism, but found that they probably aren't.

Methodology

The study conducted a meta-analysis integrating case-control and transmission/disequilibrium test studies to assess the association of HOXA1 and HOXB1 variants with ASD.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from mixed population samples and varying age ranges of controls.

Limitations

The study faced limitations due to the heterogeneous nature of included studies and the inability to analyze gene-gene interactions.

Participant Demographics

The study included participants from various ethnic backgrounds, including White, Black, Yellow, and Indian populations.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P=0.843 for HOXA1 A218G and P=0.118 for HOXB1 nINS/INS.

Confidence Interval

95% CI for HOXA1 A218G: 0.76-1.25; 95% CI for HOXB1 nINS/INS: 0.97-1.33.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025603

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