Association of IGF1R Polymorphisms with Idiopathic Short Stature in Children: A Meta-Analysis

Background Idiopathic short stature (ISS) poses substantial challenges in pediatric growth assessment due to its multifactorial origins. This meta-analysis explores the relationship between IGF1R polymorphisms and the risk of ISS in children. Methods A comprehensive literature review was performed utilizing PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and CNKI, culminating on January 1, 2025, focusing on studies published before this date. The search employed relevant keywords and MeSH terms related to ISS and genetics factors. The inclusion criteria focused on original case-control, longitudinal, or cohort studies, with no restrictions on language or publication year. Correlations were quantified as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results Eight case-control studies comprising 3,794 children with ISS and 3,018 controls were included. Four studies examined the variant rs1976667 (2,255 cases and 1,642 controls), while the other four focused on rs2684788 (1,539 cases and 1,376 controls). All studies, conducted in China from 2011 to 2018, found no significant associations between IGF1R polymorphisms rs1976667 and rs2684788 and ISS across all five genetic models. Conclusions This meta-analysis reveals no significant association between IGF1R rs1976667 and rs2684788 polymorphisms with ISS. However, the predominance of studies conducted in Asian populations, particularly China, may limit the generalizability of the findings to other ethnic groups.