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Article analysis:

This article is a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The authors conducted a thorough search of six databases for relevant studies, which were then assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The results showed a significant relationship between VDR gene BsmI-rs1544410 and TaqI-rs731236 polymorphisms and AS, while no associations were found between FokI-rs2228570 and ApaI-rs7975232 polymorphisms and AS.

The article is generally reliable in terms of its methodology, as it follows standard procedures for conducting a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis. Furthermore, the authors have taken steps to reduce potential bias by assessing study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. However, there are some potential sources of bias that should be noted. For example, the authors did not consider publication bias when conducting their analysis; this could lead to an overestimation of effect size if only positive results are published or included in the analysis. Additionally, there may be other factors that could influence the results that were not considered in this study; for example, environmental factors such as diet or lifestyle may also play a role in determining susceptibility to AS.

In conclusion, this article provides useful insights into the relationship between VDR gene polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis; however, additional research with larger sample sizes is needed to further explore this topic.