OBJECTIVETo analyze the relationship between Fas ligand (FasL) and gastric cancer extensively.

METHODSThe computerized CNKI database, Wangfang database, Weipu database, Springerlink full-text periodical database and ProQuest full-text periodical database were searched. And, the literatures detecting FasL in gastric cancer with immunohistochemical method which have been published during 1990 to 2006 were also reviewed. The research hypothesis and research method of each literature were the same; the diagnosis of case and control were definite; the size of sample was also definite; the primitive data must offer the number of object whose FasL were expressed positively or offered the positive rate. Each study and its quality were also evaluated. A software Review Manager 4.2.10, was used to analyze the data. and to estimate the overall OR and its 95% CI.

RESULTSA total of 49 literatures have been reviewed. According to the selection and washing out criteria, 13 literatures were used in this Meta-analysis. In the research of gastric cancer group and normal gastric mucosa group, 10 literatures were used. Between the two groups the expression of FasL has statistical significance (OR(overall) = 14.88, 95% CI 5.34 - 41.48; P < 0.00001); In the research of different differentiation level, 8 literatures were used. Between the two groups the expression of FasL had no statistical significance (OR(overall) = 1.90, 95% CI 0.68 - 5.28; P = 0.22); In the research of different TNM staging, 5 literatures were used. Between the two groups the expression of FasL had statistical significance (OR(overall) = 2.58, 95% CI 1.05 - 6.32; P = 0.04); In the research of different Lymph node metastasis, 8 literatures were used. Between the two groups the expression of FasL has no statistical significance (OR(overall) = 1.00, 95% CI 0.45 - 2.21; P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONThe high expression of FasL is the high risk of gastric cancer, and TNM staging has some associations with gastric cancer.