Four common vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms (-2578C>A, -460C>T, +936C>T, and +405G>C) in susceptibility to lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Increased Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Serum Level and the Role of +936C/T Gene Polymorphism in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background and Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a debilitating disease, with rising morbidity and mortality. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and airway remodeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between VEGF serum levels and VEGF +936 C/T gene polymorphism (rs3025039) with COPD, for the first time in a Romanian population. Materials and Methods: In total, 120 participants from Transylvania were included in this case-control study. Serum levels of VEGF were determined using an enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay and rs3025039 was investigated by high molecular weight genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Spirometric values, arterial blood gas analysis, and the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) outcome were also determined. Results: The serum level of VEGF was higher in the COPD group versus controls (p < 0.001), with a positive correlation with the 6MWT outcome. No significant difference was observed in the VEGF serum levels between VEGF +936C/T genotypes. There was no difference in the VEGF +936C/T genotype between COPD patients and healthy subjects (chi2 test p = 0.92, OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 0.41–2.62), but the presence of the T allele was significantly linked to the presence of COPD (chi2 test p = 0.02, OR = 2.36, 95%CI = 1.12–4.97). Conclusions: Higher VEGF serum levels were found in moderate and severe COPD and were positively correlated with the distance in the 6MWT. No significant difference was found between CC, CT, and TT genotypes of rs3025039 and the presence of COPD. The presence of the T allele was found to be linked to COPD and also to the degree of airway obstruction.

The role of angiogenetic single-nucleotide polymorphisms in thymic malignancies and thymic benign lesions

Background

We previously showed that selected single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes involved in angiogenesis influence the aggressiveness of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). This study analyzes their role in TETs and in thymic benign lesions, in order to investigate potential correlation with risk and outcome.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue of 92 patients, undergoing surgery at our Institution. We investigated by Real-Time PCR the SNPs of the following genes: platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and 3 (VEGF-2, VEGFR-3), excision repair cross-complementation group-1 (ERCC1).

Results

Fifty-seven TETs and 35 thymic benign lesions were included into the study. Frequency of SNPs was as follows: rs2057482 C, rs11158358 C and rs11549465 C polymorphisms of HIF1-a: thymomas < general population (P=0.008, P=0.007, and P=0.044 respectively). HIF1-a alleles: general population > study groups, rs1951795C SNP (P=0.026 for benign lesions and P=0.0007 for thymomas), rs10873142T SNP (P=0.008 and P=0.001 respectively), rs12434438 A SNP (P=0.034 and P=0.0007) and rs2301113A SNP (P=0.027 and P=0.010). rs699947C polymorphism of VEGF-A: benign lesions > general population (P=0.012).

Conclusions

This is the first study investigating the angiogenetic polymorphisms in thymic benign lesions and TETs. SNPs analysis may represent a further asset in identification of patients who could benefit from anti-angiogenetic therapy.

Relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor -2578C > a gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several reports were published on the relationship between the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -2578C > A gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk; however, the results are debatable. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between VEGF -2578C > A gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk.

METHODS

The associated literatures were identified on the 1st of September 2018 from CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) and PubMed.

RESULT

A total of 14 reports were recruited into our meta-analysis to assess the association between VEGF -2578C > A gene polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility. There was a marked association between VEGF -2578C > A A allele / CC genotype and lung cancer risk in overall and Asian populations (overall populations: A allele: OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.46, P = 0.003; CC genotype: OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.95, P = 0.02; Asians: A allele: OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.15-1.55, P = 0.0002; CC genotype: OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.93, P = 0.01). However, VEGF -2578C > A gene polymorphism was not associated with the risk of lung cancer in Caucasians.

CONCLUSION

VEGF -2578C > A A allele / CC genotype is associated with the lung cancer susceptibility in Asians and in overall populations.

The impact of cigarette smoke on activity of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor-promoter gene in cells of the upper aerodigestive tract

BACKGROUND

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in tumorigenesis of the upper aerodigestive tract. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) turn the regulation of the VEGF gene into a highly complex process, particularly influenced by exogenic factors like cigarette smoke (CSE). Analysis of the SNP- and CSE-dependent VEGF-gene regulation can help to improve antiangiogenic therapies and prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the influence of CSE on the SNP-dependent regulation of the VEGF-gene in vitro.

METHODS

Human alveolar epithelial-like type-II cells (A549) were transfected with different SNPs and incubated with CSE. SNP- and CSE-dependent VEGF-promoter activity and mRNA stability was measured using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Transfection with SNP -460 (ATC) and incubation with 10% CSE resulted in +19% elevated VEGF-promoter activity (P < 0.05). Transfection with SNP -2578/-460 (CTC) and 10% CSE incubation resulted in a 14% reduction of VEGF-promoter activity (P < 0.05). Regarding mRNA stability, transfection with SNP +936 T allele led to half-life of 1.11 hours, which decreased to 0.2 hours after incubation with CSE. In contrast, on protein level SNP +936 T transfection showed a not significant increase up to 176% (P > 0.05), while incubation with CSE led to a significant decrease to 61% (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Transcriptional regulation of the VEGF gene by SNP -460 (ATC) in combination with CSE represents a mechanism for elevated VEGF expression and may be associated with a worse prognosis. The influence of +SNP 936 on mRNA stability may be responsible for regulation of VEGF plasma levels.

Association between VEGF Gene Polymorphisms and the Susceptibility to Lung Cancer: An Updated Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The association between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms (-2578C/A, +936C/T, and -460C/T) and lung cancer risk has been extensively studied in the last decades, but currently available results remain controversial or ambiguous. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess whether the relationship between the VEGF gene and lung cancer susceptibility exists.

METHODS

The meta-analysis was conducted by searching the databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science covering all eligible studies published up to October 1, 2017. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) as well as their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to evaluate the possible associations. Publication bias of relevant studies was examined via Begg's funnel plots and Egger's regression tests.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 13 published case-control studies covering 4477 patients with lung cancer and 4346 healthy controls, who had been accrued from December 1992 to July 2012. For the overall eligible data collected in our meta-analysis, it indicated that VEGF +936C/T, -460C/T, and -2578C/A polymorphisms did not correlate with the elevated lung cancer risk in all genetic comparison models. Moreover, VEGF +460T/C polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with susceptibility to lung cancer in these models (allele model: pooled OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00-1.26, P = 0.184; homozygote model: pooled OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.12-2.03, P = 0.821), but no significant results were detected in Caucasian populations.

CONCLUSIONS

VEGF +936C/T, -460C/T, and -2578C/A polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of lung cancer. The VEGF +460T/C polymorphism might be a risk factor for lung cancer only in Asian populations.

Impact of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) single nucleotide polymorphisms on outcome in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Angiogenesis represents a key event in cancer development, leading to local invasion e metastatization, and might be considered a basic feature in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) with a high expression of angiogenic molecules. We aimed to analyze the prognostic and predictive role of angiogenic factors in GEP-NENs through the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VEGF-A, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3. The genomic DNA of 58 consecutive patients with GEP-NENs treated at our Institution was extracted from peripheral blood. Two SNPs were identified respectively in VEGF-A (rs2010963G>C, rs699947A>C), VEGFR-2 (rs2305948C>T, rs1870377T>A), and VEGFR-3 (rs307821T>C, rs307826C>A) gene. Gene polymorphisms were determined by Real-Time PCR using TaqMan assays. Median age was 57 years (range 24–79 years); 32 patients were male and 77.5% of NENs were localized in the pancreas. The allele frequency of VEGFR-2 rs2305948T and of VEGF-A rs2010963C showed a trend of higher frequency than in general population (12.1% vs. 8.0% and 34.5% vs. 31.2%, respectively). Three out SNPs (VEGF-A rs699947C, VEGF-A rs2010963GC and VEGFR-3 rs307821C) showed a correlation with an increased risk of disease relapse. Moreover median PFS changes according to the presence of 0–1 SNPs (20.7% of cases; 61.9 months), 2 SNPs (25.9%; 49.2 months) and 3 SNPs (53.4%; 27.8 months) (p = 0.034). Results suggest, for the first time, that specific SNPs in VEGF-A and VEGFR-3 correlate with poor prognosis in GEP-NENs. The identification of this new prognostic factor might be helpful in order to optimize the management of these heterogeneous neoplasms.

Genetic polymorphisms and lung cancer risk: Evidence from meta-analyses and genome-wide association studies

A growing number of studies investigating the association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and lung cancer risk have been published since over a decade ago. An updated integrative assessment on the credibility and strength of the associations is required. We searched PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science on or before August 29^th, 2016. A total of 198 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion, which addressed the associations between 108 variants and lung cancer. Among the 108 variants, 63 were reported to be significantly associated with lung cancer while the remaining 45 were reported non-significant. Further evaluation integrating the Venice Criteria and false-positive report probability (FPRP) was performed to determine the strength of cumulative epidemiological evidence for the 63 significant associations. As a result, 15 SNPs on or near 12 genes and one miRNA with strong evidence of association with lung cancer risk were identified, including TERT (rs2736098), CHRNA3 (rs1051730), AGPHD1 (rs8034191), CLPTM1L (rs401681 and rs402710), BAT3 (rs3117582), TRNAA (rs4324798), ERCC2 (Lys751Gln), miR-146a2 (rs2910164), CYP1B1 (Arg48Gly), GSTM1 (null/present), SOD2 (C47T), IL-10 (-592C/A and -819C/T), and TP53 (intron 6). 19 SNPs were given moderate rating and 17 SNPs were rated as having weak evidence. In addition, all of the 29 SNPs identified in 12 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were proved to be noteworthy based on FPRP value. This review summarizes and evaluates the cumulative evidence of genetic polymorphisms and lung cancer risk, which can serve as a general and useful reference for further genetic studies.

Polymorphisms in VEGF-A are associated with COPD risk in the Chinese population from Hainan province

In this study, we examined and validated how common variants contribute to susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Han Chinese population. Here, we genotyped 18 nucleotide polymorphisms and evaluated their association with COPD using chi-square test and genetic model analysis (246 COPD patients and 350 controls), and found three SNPs that might cause a predisposition to COPD. Both rs3025030 and rs3025033 are located on chromosome 6 in VEGF-A. We found one risk allele 'C' from rs3025030 and another 'G' from rs3025033 using the log-additive model (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.05-5.96; P = 0.022), (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.03-1.84; P = 0.03). We also found another risk allele 'A' of rs9296092 in gene region ZBTB9-BAK1 by the allele model (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.27-5.45; P = 0.0078), (adjusted OR 3.53; 95% CI 1.12-11.11; P = 0.031).We found a risk haplotype 'CG' associated with the risk of COPD (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.04-1.86; P = 0.028). Our results when compared with previous studies showed significant association between VEGF-A polymorphism and COPD. We also identified rs9296092 as a risk factor for COPD.

Impact of VEGF, VEGFR, PDGFR, HIF and ERCC1 gene polymorphisms on thymic malignancies outcome after thymectomy

We aimed to analyze genotypes of VEGF-A, VEGFR2, Flt4, PDGFRα, HIF-1α and ERCC1 and their correlation with thymic tumor risk and patient outcome.

DNA of 57 consecutive patients (43 thymomas and 14 thymic carcinomas) who underwent total thymectomy at our Institution was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue. We selected polymorphisms in the following genes:HIF1-α (rs2057482T > C, rs1951795A > C, rs2301113C > A, rs10873142C > T, rs11158358G > C, rs12434438G > A, rs11549465C > T, rs11549467G > A), VEGF-A (rs2010963G > C, rs699947A > C), VEGFR-2 (rs2305948C > T, rs1870377T > A), VEGFR-3 (rs307826T > C, rs307821C > A), PDGFR-α (rs35597368C > T) and ERCC1 (rs11615A > G). Gene polymorphisms were determined by Real-Time PCR using TaqMan assays.

As compared to the general population, the allele frequency of PDGFR-α rs35597368T was significantly higher (95% vs. 87%, p = 0.036), while the frequency of alleles HIF1-α rs2057482C (78% vs. 90%), rs1951795C (69% vs. 87%), rs2301113A (70% vs. 83%), rs10873142T (70% vs. 87%), rs11158358C (75% vs. 88%), rs12434438A (67% vs. 84%) were significantly lower. VEGFR-3 rs307821C frequency was significantly higher in thymomas vs. thymic carcinomas (79% vs. 72%, p = 0.0371). The following factors were significantly correlated with a longer overall survival: VEGFR-3 rs307826C, VEGFR-2 rs1870377A, PDGFR-α rs35597368T/C, HIF1-α rs2301113C, rs2057482C/T, rs1951795C, rs11158358G/C and rs10873142T/C, ERCC1 rs11615A (p < 0.05).

Our results suggest, for the first time, that PDGFR-α, HIF-1α and VEGFR-3 SNPs are associated with thymic cancer risk and survival.

Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms as effect modifiers of oral squamous cell carcinoma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Smoking is one of the main risk factors for the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Smoking may affect single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-dependent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenic activity. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the published VEGF-SNP genotype data of OSCC patients and healthy individuals and performed a meta-analysis comparing the VEGF-SNP genotypes of smoking and non-smoking patients in association with OSCC incidence. Prospective and retrospective studies on the clinical comparison of OSCC patients with different VEGF-SNP genotypes were reviewed. The meta-analysis re-pooled studies of smoking and non-smoking OSCC patients with different VEGF-SNPs between 2006 and 2014. The identified articles were reviewed and those reporting pertinent information, assignment to smoking and non-smoking patient groups and sufficient data for estimation of an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were selected for the meta-analysis. Pooled ORs and CIs for the comparison of SNP distribution in the smoking and non-smoking subgroups were calculated and compared using the random-effects model. A total of 7 studies were included in the systematic review, which was followed by a meta-analysis using 3 pertinent studies. The reviewed studies reported discrepant findings, with differences between Asian and European patients. The meta-analysis demonstrated marginal but not statistically significant differences, suggesting that specific VEGF-SNPs may be OSCC risk modifiers for smokers, depending on the ethnic background. The performed meta-analysis suggested an increased OSCC risk for smokers carrying specific VEGF-genotypes, although the calculated data did not reach the level of significance. However, data have to be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size. Therefore, further studies, including larger patient samples, are mandatory.

Associations of VEGF and VEGFR2 polymorphisms with increased risk and aggressiveness of multiple myeloma

Angiogenesis has been highlighted as a critical component in the progression of multiple myeloma (MM), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as its type 2 receptor (VEGFR2) are thought to play a major role in the process. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been described in VEGF and VEGFR2 genes, with quantitative or qualitative changes in encoded VEGF and VEGFR2. The roles of VEGF -2578C/A, -1154G/A, and -634G/C as well as VEGFR2 -604T/C and +1192G/A SNPs in the risk and manifestations of MM are still unknown; therefore, this study aimed to clarify this issue. DNA from 192 patients and 209 controls were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction for identification of genotypes. The frequencies of VEGF -2578CC, VEGF -2578CC plus VEGF -634GG, and VEGF -2578CC plus VEGF -1154GG plus VEGF -634GG genotypes were higher in patients than in controls. Carriers of the respective genotypes had a 1.89-, a 5.52-, and a 4.91-fold increased risk for MM than others. VEGF -2578CC plus VEGFR2 +1192GG, VEGF -2578CC plus VEGF -634GG plus VEGFR2 +1192GG, and VEGF -1154GG plus VEGF -634GG plus VEGFR2 -604TT combined genotypes were more common in patients than in controls. Carriers of the respective genotypes had a 2.56-, a 10.97-, and a 14.10-fold increased risk for MM than others. An excess of VEGFR2 -604TT genotype was also seen in patients with stage II or III tumors when compared with those with stage I tumors. Our data suggest, for the first time, that inherited abnormalities in VEGF and VEGFR2 pathways influence the risk and aggressiveness of MM.