Association of rs6921438 A

Abstract

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants at the Vascular-Endothelial-Growth-Factor (VEGF) gene locus, which appear to be associated with plasma VEGF concentrations. These factors are among the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have investigated the association between serum VEGF concentrations and a VEGF genetic variant (rs6921438 A < 0.05). The association between the rs6921438 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the presence of MetS and individual features of MetS were not statistically significant. Interestingly we observed a significant association between high serum VEGF levels with the GG and GA genotypes in the individuals with MetS, compared to the wild-type genotype, which was also associated with dietary fat intake. Conclusion: Our findings show an association between a VEGF gene polymorphism with serum VEGF concentrations and dietary fat intake, but there was no association with the presence of MetS.