{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.050496688741721855, 'fraction_numerical': 0.056291390728476824, 'mean_word_length': 5.168367346938775, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 1, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Does HLA‐B*2706 protect against ankylosing spondylitis? A meta‐analysis

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*2706 is a relatively rare subtype of HLA‐B27. In contrast to most HLA‐B27 subtypes, some studies have reported HLA‐B*2706 to be protective against ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A systematic review and a meta‐analysis of available studies was performed to investigate the association of HLA‐B*2706 with AS. After literature review a random effect meta‐analysis was performed. No studies were found comparing the frequency of HLA‐B*2706 in AS patients and controls. Meta‐analysis of seven studies using HLA‐B27‐positive AS patients and controls showed a protective effect of HLA‐B*2706 on development of AS in HLA‐B27 individuals (odds ratio = 0.128, 95% CI = 0.043–0.378, P < 0.001). The results of the meta‐analysis of HLA‐B*2706 in HLA‐B27‐positive patients and controls is preliminary evidence of a protective effect of HLA‐B*2706 against AS in the population. There is a clear need for additional studies on HLA‐B*2706 in AS. Due to the fact that HLA‐B*2706 is more or less restricted to Southeast Asia, researchers in this part of the world may have an essential role in performing these studies.