IL1RN and atherosclerosis: The IL-1RN∗2 polymorphism has been recognized as a genetic risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, which are closely related with IS.[12,13] Worrall et al confirmed that IL-1RN∗2 was associated with IS among Caucasians.[14] However, Balding et al found no significant interaction between IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism frequencies and IS.[15] Here we perform a meta-analysis based on 10 eligible pooled data to further validate the relationship between the IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism and IS susceptibility.