Background: Findings from previous published studies regarding the association of the XRCC3 Thr241Metpolymorphism with glioma susceptibility have often been conflicting. Therefore, a meta-analysis including allavailable publications was carried out to make a more precise estimation of the potential relationship. Methods:By searching the electronic databases of Pubmed and Embase (up to April 1st, 2013), a total of nine case-controlstudies with 3,752 cases and 4,849 controls could be identified for inclusion in the current meta-analysis. Oddsratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. Results:This meta-analysis showed the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism to be significantly associated with decreasedglioma risk in the allelic model (Met allele vs. Thr allele: OR= 0.708, 95%CI= 0.631-0.795). Moreover, we alsoobserved a statistically significant association between the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and reducedglioma risk in analyses stratified by ethnicity (Asian) and source of controls (hospital based) in the allelic model. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism may be a risk factor forglioma development, especially in Asians.
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