Association of Vitamin D Receptor Genetic Polymorphisms With Nephrolithiasis and End-Stage Renal Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Background Our objective was to evaluate the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI, FokI, TaqI, and ApaI gene polymorphisms and the risk of renal disease. A meta‑analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between these VDR gene polymorphisms and the renal disease. Methods Meta-analysis was carried out to clarify the association of BsmI (2467 cases and 2651 controls), FokI (2460 cases and 3085 controls), TaqI (3181cases and 3713 controls), and ApaI (2512 cases and 3091 controls) polymorphisms with nephrolithiasis (NL), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Results The VDR BsmI C allele, under the allele contrast random effect model, was associated with renal diseases calculated for ESRD. Subgroup analysis revealed association of VDR FokI polymorphism with ESRD and no association with NL and DN. The VDR TaqI C allele, under the allele contrast fixed effect model, was associated with renal diseases calculated collectively for DN, ESRD, and NL. Cochran's Q test showed no evidence of heterogeneity for TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms and showed a significant heterogeneity for BsmI and FokI polymorphisms. Conclusions This meta-analysis identifies BsmI, FokI, TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms of the VDR gene as risk factors for renal diseases.