Objectives Previous studies investigating the association between interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and its receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) polymorphism and cervical cancer risk have reported controversial results. Thus, we examined these associations by performing meta-analyses.

Methods and Materials Fourteen studies testing the association between IL-1β and/or IL-1RN gene polymorphisms and cervical cancer were examined: 5 studies of IL-1β–511C/T, 3 studies of IL-1β–31T/C, and 6 studies of IL-1RN. Overall and ethnicity-specific summary odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cervical cancer associated with these polymorphisms were estimated using fixed- and random-effects models. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated.

Results Meta-analysis of all 6 studies showed variant genotypes of IL-1RN to be associated with an elevated cervical cancer risk (RN2/RN2 vs RN1/RN1: OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.29–5.40; recessive: OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.06–4.38; dominant: OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.07–2.38). Combined analysis indicated that IL-1β–511C/T polymorphism was also associated with increased risk of cervical cancer (TT vs CC: OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.22–1.99; CT vs CC: OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.31–1.99; dominant: OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.31–1.95). No significant association of IL-1β–31T/C and cervical cancer risk was detected. There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions This meta-analysis suggested that the IL-1RN and IL-1β–511C/T polymorphisms may contribute to genetic susceptibility of cervical cancer. More studies are needed to further evaluate the role of the IL-1β–31T/C polymorphism in the etiology of cancer.