Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms and extent of coronary atherosclerosis in Chinese population with advanced coronary artery disease

Abstract

Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is important in atherosclerotic development. We examined two VEGF polymorphisms, including +405C/G (rs2010963) and-2578C/A (rs699947), to assess their relation to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Methods We recruited 398 patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD). Angiographic clinical vessel score (CVS, 1-3 vessels) and diffuse score (DS, 0-11.5) were used to evaluate the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. CVS are further categorized into single-(SVD) and multi-vessel disease (MVD: 2 and 3 vessels). Genotyping was performed by TaqMan assay. Results The frequency of +405C/G genotype was correlated with CVS and DS (P = 0.016 and 0.016, respectively). The 405C allele frequency was significantly increased in patients with MVD (P = 0.020). The odds ratio (OR) for the CC to the GG genotype was 2.92 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-6.55, P = 0.007). Univariate and logistic regression analysis showed a significant independent association of +405C/G genotype with SVD/MVD (P = 0.010 and 0.015, respectively) in the recessive model. Furthermore, there is a synergistic effect of CC genotype and diabetes on the occurrence of MVD (P = 0.001 for interaction). There is also a significant independent association of 405C/G genotype in the recessive model with DS in the uni-and multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.013 and 0.005, respectively). No association was found between VEGF 2578C/A polymorphism and both atherosclerotic parameters. Conclusions The VEGF 405C/G polymorphism is a novel genetic factor to influence the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in the Chinese CAD population. © 2010 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.