VEGF Polymorphisms (VEGF-936 C/T, VEGF-634 G/C and VEGF-2578 C/A) and Cardiovascular Implications in Long COVID Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of the virus's long-term non-pulmonary consequences. This study examined the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of VEGF and cardiac dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients recovering from COVID-19. This study included 67 patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19. VEGF-936C/T, VEGF-634G/C, and VEGF-2578C/A statuses were determined. Conventional echocardiography and arterial parameters assessments were performed at inclusion and at six months after the first assessment. For VEGF-936C/T, dominant and over-dominant models showed a significant increase in ejection fraction at six months after COVID (p = 0.044 and 0.048) and was also a predictive independent factor for the augmentation index (β = 3.07; p = 0.024). The dominant model showed a rise in RV-RA gradient (3.702 mmHg) (p = 0.028 95% CI: 0.040-7.363), with the over-dominant model indicating a greater difference (4.254 mmHg) (p = 0.025 95% CI: 0.624-7.884). The findings for VEGF-634G/C were not statistically significant, except for a difference in TAPSE during initial evaluation, using the codominant model. For VEGF-2578C/A, a difference in ventricular filling pressure (E/E'ratio) was best described under the recessive model. Our research suggests that the VEG-936C/T genotype may impact the baseline level and subsequent changes in cardiac function and subclinical atherosclerosis. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex correlation between genetic polymorphisms and cardiovascular disfunction in long COVID patients.

Expression deregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and vasoconstriction related genes in Pakistani females with abnormal uterine bleeding

BACKGROUND

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is irregular menstrual bleeding which has great impact on female health and life style. Various genetic factors are involved in etiology and pathology of AUB. Present study was designed to explore the association of PTGFR, MMP9, MMP2, TGFB3 and VEGFB with AUB.

METHODS

Blood samples of 212 females with AUB were collected along with age-matched healthy control. Expression variation of targeted genes was evaluated using qPCR. Present study cohort was divided into different groups based on demographic parameters and all targeted genes were correlated with study demographics.

RESULTS

Expression of targeted genes was significantly (P < 0.001) downregulated in females with AUB compared to control. Reduced (P < 0.01) expression of targeted genes was observed in all age groups (21-30, 31-40, 41-50 year) of AUB patients compared to respective control. Expression of VEGFB increased (P < 0.05) in AUB females with > 9 days bleeding compared to AUB patient had < 9 days bleeding. AUB women with miscarriage history showed upregulation in MMP2, TGFB3 (P < 0.05), and downregulation in MMP9 and VEGFB (P < 0.05) expression compared to AUB group with no miscarriage history. Expression of MMP2 increased (P < 0.05) in AUB females with > 60 kg body weigh compared to AUB patient with < 60 kg weight.

CONCLUSION

Present study open a new window for diagnosis of AUB at early stages and suggested a possible involvement of PTGFR, MMP9, MMP2, TGFB3 and VEGFB as candidate biomarkers in AUB.

Genetic polymorphisms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) associated with endometriosis in Nigerian women

OBJECTIVE

To determine if genetic polymorphism of VEGF is associated with the development of endometriosis in Nigerian women.

STUDY DESIGN

Case control study of 100 women (50 healthy controls and 50 with endometriosis). Serum VEGF concentration of participants were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Genomic DNAs were isolated from peripheral blood samples and quantified by nanodrop spectrophotometer one. Single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

Mean age of participants was 32.96 ± 6.91 years for control and 32.04 ± 7.56 years for cases. VEGF levels in case and control groups were not statistically different (82.68 pg/ml [69.11-121.11 pg/ml] vs. 82.81 pg/ml [72.90-113.82 pg/ml] respectively; p = 0.967). All four genotypes examined were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Minor allele frequency of - 460T > C, - 1154G > A, + 936C > T and + 2578C > A were 24%, 8%, 6% and 10% in the control and 19%, 9%, 5% and 14% in endometriosis patients. However, allele and genotype distributions of - 460T > C, - 1154G > A, + 936C > T and + 2578C > A VEGF polymorphisms in endometriosis patients and control were not significantly different (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary findings revealed no association between endometriosis and - 460T > C, - 1154G > A, + 936C > T and + 2578C > A of VEGF genes among Nigerian women.

Polymorphisms and endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecological disorder that affects at least 10% of women of reproductive age. It may lead to infertility and non-specific symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain. Endometriosis screening and diagnosis are difficult and time-consuming. Late diagnosis (with a delay ranging from 3.3 to 10.7 years) is a major problem and may contribute to disease progression and a worse response to treatment once initiated. Efficient screening tests might reduce this diagnostic delay. As endometriosis is presumed to be a complex disease with several genetic and non-genetic pathogenic factors, many researchers have sought to identify polymorphisms that predispose to this condition.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the most regularly reported polymorphisms in order to identify those that might predispose to endometriosis and might thus be of value in screening.

SEARCH METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched for English-language publications on DNA polymorphisms in endometriosis, with no date restriction. The PubTator text mining tool was used to extract gene names from the selected publications' abstracts. We only selected polymorphisms reported by at least three studies, having applied strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to their control populations. No stratification based on ethnicity was performed. All steps were carried out according to PRISMA guidelines.

OUTCOMES

The initial selection of 395 publications cited 242 different genes. Sixty-two genes (corresponding to 265 different polymorphisms) were cited at least in three publications. After the application of our other selection criteria (an original case-control study of endometriosis, a reported association between endometriosis and at least one polymorphism, data on women of reproductive age and a diagnosis of endometriosis in the cases established by surgery and/or MRI and confirmed by histology), 28 polymorphisms were eligible for meta-analysis. Only five of the 28 polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with endometriosis: interferon gamma (IFNG) (CA) repeat, glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) null genotype, glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) rs1695 and wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 4 (WNT4) rs16826658 and rs2235529. Six others showed a significant trend towards an association: progesterone receptor (PGR) PROGINS, interCellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) rs1799969, aryl-hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) rs2292596, cytochrome family 17 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP17A1) rs743572, CYP2C19 rs4244285 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) rs1801282), and 12 showed a significant trend towards the lack of an association: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) rs1799964, interleukin 6 (IL6) rs1800796, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) rs1800469, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) rs2234693, PGR rs10895068, FSH receptor (FSHR) rs6166, ICAM1 rs5498, CYP1A1 rs4646903, CYP19A1 rs10046, tumor protein 53 (TP53) rs1042522, X-ray repair complementing defective repair in Chinese hamster cells 1 (XRCC1) rs25487 and serpin peptidase inhibitor clade E member 1 (SERPINE1) rs1799889; however, for the 18 polymorphisms identified in the latter two groups, further studies of the potential association with the endometriosis risk are needed. The remaining five of the 28 polymorphisms were not associated with endometriosis: glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) null genotype, vascular endothelial growth factor alpha (VEGFA) rs699947, rs833061, rs2010963 and rs3025039.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

By carefully taking account of how the control populations were defined, we identified polymorphisms that might be candidates for use in endometriosis screening and polymorphisms not associated with endometriosis. This might constitute the first step towards identifying polymorphism combinations that predispose to endometriosis (IFNG (CA) repeat, GSTM1 null genotype, GSTP1 rs1695, WNT4 rs16826658 and WNT4 rs2235529) in a large cohort of patients with well-defined inclusion criteria. In turn, these results might improve the diagnosis of endometriosis in primary care. Lastly, our present findings may enable a better understanding of endometriosis and improve the management of patients with this disease.

The impact of vascular endothelial growth factor single nucleotide polymorphisms in the development and severity of endometriosis: A systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To review the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in the development and severity of endometriosis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases for published studies in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included prospective and retrospective observational studies.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data extraction was performed using a modified data form that was based in Cochrane`s data collection form for intervention reviews.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty studies were included that investigated the frequency of the various alleles of the -460C/T, +405G/C, +936C/T, -2578A/C and -1154G/A SNPs. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium revealed that the different genotypes were comparable among patients with endometriosis and control women, as well as among patients with mild and severe forms of the disease. No differences were observed in the expression of the various alleles in the majority of cases. Ethnical variations were observed; however, the results should be regarded as inconclusive due to the small amount of available data.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our meta-analysis suggest that the investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms are unlikely to significantly contribute to the development and severity of endometriosis.

Defining the genetic profile of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a pathological condition which has been extensively studied, since its pathophysiology stems from a broad spectrum of environmental influences and genetic factors. Familial studies aim at defining inheritance trends, while linkage analysis studies focus on the identification of genetic sites related to endometriosis susceptibility. Genetic association studies take into account candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms, and hence target at unraveling the association between disease severity and genetic variation. The common goal of various types of studies is, through genetic mapping methods, the timely identification of therapeutic strategies for disease symptoms, including pelvic pain and infertility, as well as efficient counselling. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) play a primary role in depicting genetic contributions to disease development, they entail a certain bias as regards the case-control nature of their design and the reproducibility of the results. Nevertheless, genetic-oriented studies and the implementation of the results through clinical tests, hold a considerable advantage in proper disease management. In this review article, we present information about gene-gene and gene-environment interactions involved in endometriosis and discuss the effectiveness of GWAS in identitying novel potential therapeutic targets in an attempt to develop novel therapeutic strategies for a better management and treatment of patients with endometriosis.

A review of the risk factors, genetics and treatment of endometriosis in Chinese women: a comparative update

Endometriosis is one of the major causes of economic burden and compromised quality of life in a very large percentage of Asian women. While it is perceived as a benign condition, recent research has shown that it may be a significant cause of infertility and metastatic cancer. It has also been associated with other diseases linked to the functioning of the immune system. Genetic as well as environmental factors are known to affect the manifestation and progression of endometriosis. This review aims to summarize recent research pertaining to the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in Chinese women. It also provides an overview of identified genetic mutations and polymorphisms and their effects on the risk of developing endometriosis in the Chinese population. A comparison has been drawn between Asian and European-American female populations and the differences in risk factors and treatment responses have been summarized. Since traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often used to treat endometriosis, wherever possible, a comparison between efficacies of Western medicine and TCM in the Chinese population has also been provided. Although much progress has been made in the treatment and resolution of endometriosis, several gaps remain and this review also highlights possible areas of future research and advancement that can result in an improvement in patient outcomes and quality of life.

Association of Endometriosis-Associated Genetic Polymorphisms From Genome-Wide Association Studies With Ovarian Endometriosis in a Chinese Population

Endometriosis is a common multifactorial disease caused by an interaction between multiple gene loci and environment. Four genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of endometriosis have identified several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with endometriosis. However, results from independent replication studies with different populations are inconsistent. The present study aims to evaluate whether the GWAS-derived susceptibility loci are correlated with the risk of the development of ovarian endometriosis in North Chinese women. This case-control study comprised 580 patients with ovarian endometriosis and 606 matched control women. Three SNPs were selected for this association study including rs10965235 in CDKN2BAS, rs2235529 located in LINC00339- WNT4, and rs12700667 in an intergenic region on 7p15.2. The results show that the G/A genotype of rs12700667 can significantly increase the risk of developing ovarian endometriosis when compared with the G/G genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23-2.00). Similarly, the carriers with A allele showed a higher risk of ovarian endometriosis than those with G allele (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.12-1.68). The study suggests that the endometriosis-associated genetic polymorphisms (rs12700667) from GWAS be associated with the risk of developing ovarian endometriosis in North Chinese women.

Polymorphisms in VEGF and KDR genes in the development of endometriosis: a systematic review

Abstract Objectives: to review studies that used case-control design to verify the association of polymorphisms in VEGF and KDR genes in the development of endometriosis. Methods: the systematic review selected articles published until September 1, 2015 from PubMed, MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO databases, considering the following key words: endometriosis and ("polymorphism" or "SNP" or "genetic polymorphism") and ("VEGF" OR "Vascular endothelial growth factor" or "VEGFR-2" or "Vascular endothelial growth factor-2" or "KDR" or "Kinase Insert Domain Receptor"). Results: 106 articles were identified, only 11 were eligible. Discrepant results were observed regarding polymorphisms in VEGF gene in the development of endometriosis, which can be explained by methodological differences, sample size, eligible control type, using the unadjusted risk estimates and the heterogeneity of the studied population. Only one study investigated polymorphisms in KDR gene in the development of endometriosis, however it was ineligible for this review. Conclusions: to avoid discrepancy in the results, we suggest that the ideal control group should be formed by fertile women and free of gynecological diseases. Multicentric studies with adequate design, involving different population besides the combined analysis on polymorphisms in VEGF and KDR genes are still necessary to contribute in the understanding of this disease, which are social, clinical and economical problems.

Association Between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer Risk in an Iranian Population

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most causes of death in women worldwide. It affects Iranian female population approximately a decade earlier than those in other parts of the world. Previous studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene variants were associated with BC risk. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of VEGF rs3025039 (+936C>T), rs2010963 (+405C>G), rs833061 (-460T>C), rs699947 (-2578C>A), and rs35569394 (18-bp I/D) polymorphisms on BC risk in an Iranian population in southeast of Iran. This case–control study was done on 250 BC patients and 215 healthy women. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) or PCR was used to genotype the polymorphisms. Our findings showed that VEGF rs699947 variant increased the risk of BC (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.15–2.54, P = 0.009, CA vs CC; OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.14–3.93, P = 0.021, AA vs CC; OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.22–2.60, P = 0.004, CA+AA vs CC; OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.12–1.92, P = 0.005, A vs C). The VEGF rs3025039, rs2010963, rs833061, and rs35569394 variants were not associated with risk/protection of BC. In conclusion, our results proposed that VEGF rs699947 polymorphism may increase the risk of BC development. Furthers studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are necessary to confirm our findings.

Association between nm23 gene polymorphisms and the risk of endometriosis

The first tumor metastasis-suppressor gene, nm23, may have an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis (EM). The present study aimed to evaluate whether nm23 gene polymorphisms are correlated with the risk of the development of EM in North Chinese women, as a preliminary study. The case-control study was conducted with 379 EM patients and 384 unrelated healthy controls. Genotyping of two polymorphisms within the nm23 gene promoter region (rs16949649 T/C and rs2302254 C/T) were performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The data showed that the rs16949649 and rs2302254 polymorphisms within the nm23 gene were not associated with the risk of developing EM. There were no statistical differences in the distribution of nm23 genotypes between patients with EM and the control group (P=0.490 and P=0.440, respectively). For the rs16949649 T/C, compared with the C/T + T/T genotype, the C/C genotype did not increase the risk of EM [odds ratio (OR)=0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57-1.17]. For the rs2302254 C/T, compared with the C/T + C/C genotype, the T/T genotype did not increase the risk of EM (OR=1.46; 95% CI, 0.81-2.64). In conclusion, the findings in the present pilot study suggest that nm23 polymorphisms do not contribute to EM susceptibility. However, more studies in larger populations are required to confirm these results.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (-460 C/T, +405 G/C, and +936 C/T) polymorphisms and endometriosis risk in Tunisian population

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major angiogenic factor, is known to play an important role in the development of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of three VEGF (-460 C/T, +405 G/C, and +936 C/T) polymorphisms with the risk of endometriosis in the Tunisian population. This study includes 105 women with endometriosis and 150 women with no laparoscopic evidence of disease. Genotyping of the VEGF -460 C/T, +405 G/C, and +936 C/T polymorphisms were performed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The distribution of genotypes (P = 0.006) and allele (P = 0.0009) frequencies of the +936 C/T polymorphism was significantly different between patients and controls. Patients with stages III-IV endometriosis showed a higher VEGF + 936T allele frequency than controls (P = 0.0001). However, the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies of the VEGF -460 C/T and +405 G/C polymorphisms did not differ significantly between endometriosis patients and controls. These findings suggest that the VEGF +936 C/T polymorphism may be a risk factor for endometriosis development and the VEGF +936 T allele is associated with an increased risk of stages III-IV endometriosis in the Tunisian population.

Involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor -460 C/T, +405 G/C and +936 C/T polymorphisms in the development of endometriosis

There are inconsistent data on the contribution of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -460 C/T (rs833061), +405 G/C (rs2010963) and +936 C/T (rs3025039) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to endometriosis in different ethnicities. Therefore, using high-resolution melting curve analysis, the present study examined the distribution of these SNPs in females with endometriosis-related infertility and a control group. None of the three VEGF SNPs were associated with endometriosis-related infertility in the dominant and recessive models. The lowest P-values of the trend were observed for the VEGF +936 C/T (rs3025039) SNP in endometriosis-related infertility (P_trend =0.149). Similarly, haplotype analyses of VEGF SNPs did not demonstrate any SNP combination as a risk for endometriosis-related infertility, and the lowest overall P-values, P=0.141 and P_corr =0.395, were observed for a haplotype (TGT) of the above SNPs. Taken together, these results did not demonstrate the contribution of VEGF C/T, +405 G/C and +936 C/T SNPs to endometriosis-related infertility.

Screening of a panel of steroid-related genes showed polymorphisms of aromatase genes confer susceptibility to advanced stage endometriosis in the Taiwanese Han population

OBJECTIVE

To establish a multilocus model for studying the effect of steroid-related genes on advanced stage endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 121 patients with advanced stage endometriosis and 171 control women were included. Eighteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from nine genes (HSD17B1, HSD17B2, HSD17B5, HSD17B6, CYP17, CYP19, ERα, ERβ, and PGR) were genotyped using the TaqMan assays. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the genetic effects, with adjustment for other covariates.

RESULTS

Only the presence of the mutant CYP19 (aromatase gene) was associated with a significantly increased risk of endometriosis after adjusting for age, BMI, and parity (p = 0.002, OR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.44-5.02). No association was ascertained between the other investigated SNPs and endometriosis.

CONCLUSION

Polymorphisms of the aromatase gene confer susceptibility to advanced stage endometriosis in the Taiwanese Han population.

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms (-2578C>A, -460 T>C, -1154G>A, +405G>C and +936C>T) in endometriosis: a case-control study with Brazilians

Background

Endometriosis is regarded as a complex and heterogeneous disease in which genetic and environmental factors contribute to the phenotype. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays important roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The present study was aimed at investigating the contribution of VEGF polymorphisms as risk factors for the development of endometriosis. This is the first study to evaluate the combined influence of the five most common VEGF polymorphisms.

Methods

This study was conducted at two hospitals from the Brazilian public health system, and comprised 294 women submitted to laparoscopic or laparotomy surgery: 182 patients had a histologically confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis (cases), whereas 112 had no evidence of the disease (controls). The VEGF polymorphisms were determined by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. The odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using an unconditional logistic regression model.

Results

Endometriosis patients and controls did not differ regarding age distribution, whereas the body mass index was significantly lower in endometriosis patients, when compared with controls (23.1 ± 3.9 versus 27.3 ± 5.9, P < 0.001). The evaluation of gynecological symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, non-cyclic chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and infertility, indicates significantly higher prevalences among endometriosis cases. The variant allele -1154A was significantly associated with endometriosis, either considering all cases (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.23–2.97), deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.16-2.90) or moderate and severe endometriosis (stages III-IV) (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.21-3.19). No significant differences were found in allele or genotype distributions of the –2578C > A, -460 T > C, +405G > C and +936C > T polymorphisms between endometriosis cases and controls. A total of six haplotypes were inferred derived from four polymorphisms (-2578C > A, -460 T > C, -1154G > A and +405G > C). There was a protective association between CCGG haplotype and endometriosis, either considering all cases (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.86), DIE (OR: 0.37 95% CI: 0.15 – 0.90) or stages III-IV (OR: 0.35 95% CI: 0.13 – 0.95).

Conclusions

The present results indicate a positive association between VEGF -1154G > A and the risk of developing endometriosis, whereas the CCGG haplotype may be protective against the development of disease.

Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms contribute to the risk of endometriosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 case-control studies

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease defined as the presence of the endometrium outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is a multifactorial and polygenic disease in which angiogenesis may be implicated. Angiogenesis is under the control of numerous inducers, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Many studies have reported that VEGF plays a role in the progression of the disease, but individually published studies showed inconclusive results. We investigated the association between VEGF polymorphisms and the susceptibility to endometriosis. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CBM databases were searched for all articles published up to June 25, 2012, which addressed VEGF polymorphisms and endometriosis risk. We investigated the potential association between VEGF polymorphisms and the risk of endometriosis. Fourteen studies were included with a total of 3313 endometriosis cases and 3393 healthy controls. Meta-analysis results showed that the rs699947 (A>C) and rs1570360 (G>A) polymorphisms in the VEGF gene were associated with a decreased risk of endometriosis, while rs3025039 (C>T) might increase the risk of endometriosis. However, the rs833061 (T>C) and rs2010963 (G>C) polymorphisms of the VEGF gene did not appear to have an influence on endometriosis susceptibility. Results from the meta-analysis suggest that the rs3025039 (C>T) polymorphism of the VEGF gene increases the risk of endometriosis, but the rs699947 (A>C) and rs1570360 (G>A) polymorphisms might be protective factors for endometriosis.

Association of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms (-460C/T, +405G/C and +936T/C) with endometriosis: a meta-analysis

Published data on the association between the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene -460C/T (rs833061), +405G/C (rs2010963), +936T/C (rs3025039) polymorphisms and endometriosis risk are inconclusive. Eleven eligible case-control studies including 2690 cases and 2803 controls were included in this meta-analysis through searching the databases of PubMed and CBMdisc (up to August 1, 2011). In the overall analysis, no significant association between the -460C/T and +405G/C polymorphisms and risk of endometriosis was observed. However, significant associations were observed between endometriosis risk and VEGF+936T polymorphism with summarized odds ratio of 1.19 (95%CI, 1.02-1.37), 1.18 (95%CI, 1.03-1.37), 1.15 (95%CI, 1.01-1.30) for CT versus CC genotype, dominant mode (CT/TT vs. CC) and allele comparison (T vs. C), respectively. Furthermore, stratified analysis showed that significantly strong association between +936T/C polymorphism and endometriosis was present only in stage III-IV (OR = 1.32 for dominant mode; OR = 1.30 for T vs. C), but not in stage I-II. However, no significantly increased risk of endometriosis was found in any of the genetic models in Asians or in Caucasians. This meta-analysis supports that VEGF+936T/C polymorphism is capable of causing endometriosis susceptibility.

Prevalence of +405G>C,-1154G>A Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Polymorphism in Breast Cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the development of Breast Cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the VEGF gene on prognosis of Breast Cancer patients. This study comprised 200 patients with histologically confirmed cases of Breast cancer and 200 controls. Genotyping of the VEGF gene polymorphisms at +405G>C,-1154G>A, were performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Preoperative plasma VEGF levels were determined by ELISA. Amongst both cases and controls, the genotypic distribution of the individual SNPs were all in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Mean VEGF level was significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (t = 8.248; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between +405G>C,-1154G>A VEGF polymorphism and Breast Cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 405GG & 1154GG were associated with higher levels of VEGF.

Vascular endothelial growth factor gene 1154 G/A, 2578 C/A, 460 C/T, 936 C/T polymorphisms and association with recurrent pregnancy losses

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. VEGF plays a critical role in angiogenesis during placenta formation. We investigated whether VEGF gene polymorphisms are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Thirty-eight women with recurrent pregnancy loss and 30 control women with live-born children were recruited from 2010 to 2011 in the region of Bursa, Turkey. VEGF gene polymorphisms were assessed with PCR-RFLP analysis of DNA samples obtained from leukocytes. DNA fragments were investigated by using appropriate primers. SNP scanning was performed using MnII, BgIII, BshI2361, Hsp92II restriction enzymes for 1154 G/A, 2578 C/A, 460 C/T, and 936 C/T polymorphisms, respectively. The frequencies of 2578 C/A, 460 C/T, 936 C/T polymorphisms were not significantly different between the controls and women with recurrent pregnancy loss. However, the prevalence of the 1154 G/A polymorphism A/A genotype was significantly higher in the recurrent pregnancy loss group (23.7 vs 3.4%). One of the four common polymorphisms of the VEGF gene was found to be more frequent in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. It is possible that disruption of VEGF function and placental angiogenesis can contribute to pregnancy loss in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Polymorphisms of human vascular endothelial growth factor gene are associated with acute cerebral infarction in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in the development of cerebral infarction as a major mediator of angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the VEGF gene polymorphisms were associated with the risks of acute cerebral infarction.

METHODS

We examined the distribution of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), -1154G/A, 936C/T and -2578C/A, in the promoter and coding region of the VEGF gene in DNA samples from 147 Chinese patients with acute cerebral infarction and 131 control subjects.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in allele and genotype distributions of -1154G/A, 936C/T and -2578C/A with the risk of acute cerebral infarction when compared with controls. However, haplotype analysis from the above-mentioned three polymorphisms showed that haplotype ACC was significantly lower in patients with acute cerebral infarction (0.020) than in controls (0.054) (p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggested that the -1154/, 936/ and -2578/ ACC haplotype was associated with the risk of acute cerebral infarction with an OR of 0.361, and it may reduce the risk of acute cerebral infarction through the regulation of VEGF expression.

No association between polymorphisms/haplotypes of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE) is the first worldwide cause of death in pregnant women, intra-uterine growth retardation, and fetal prematurity. Some vascular endothelial grown factor gene (VEGF) polymorphisms have been associated to PE and other pregnancy disturbances. We evaluated the associations between VEGF genotypes/haplotypes and PE in Mexican women.

METHODS

164 pregnant women were enrolled in a case-control study (78 cases and 86 normotensive pregnant controls). The rs699947 (-2578C/A), rs1570360 (-1154G/A), rs2010963 (+405G/C), and rs25648 (-7C/T), VEGF variants were discriminated using Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods or Taqman single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays.

RESULTS

The proportions of the minor allele for rs699947, rs1570360, rs2010963, and rs25648 VEGF SNPs were 0.33, 0.2, 0.39, and 0.17 in controls, and 0.39, 0.23, 0.41, and 0.15 in cases, respectively (P values > 0.05). The most frequent haplotypes of rs699947, rs1570360, rs2010963, and rs25648 VEGF SNPs, were C-G-C-C and C-G-G-C with frequencies of 0.39, 0.21 in cases and 0.37, 0.25 in controls, respectively (P values > 0.05)

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence of an association between VEGF alleles, genotypes, or haplotypes frequencies and PE in our study.