Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism and increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer

The association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and ovarian cancer risk: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ovarian cancer (OC) risk remains controversial. This systematic review and network meta-analysis was aimed to determine the association between SNPs and OC risk.

METHODS

Several databases (PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang databases, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biology Medicine disc) were searched to summarize the association between SNPs and OC published throughout April 2021. Direct meta-analysis was used to identify SNPs that could predict the incidence of OC. Ranking probability resulting from network meta-analysis and the Thakkinstian's algorithm was used to select the most appropriate gene model. The false positive report probability (FPRP) and Venice criteria were further tested for credible relationships. Subgroup analysis was also carried out to explore whether there are racial differences.

RESULTS

A total of 63 genes and 92 SNPs were included in our study after careful consideration. Fok1 rs2228570 is likely a dominant risk factor for the development of OC compared to other selected genes. The dominant gene model of Fok1 rs2228570 (pooled OR = 1.158, 95% CI: 1.068-1.256) was determined to be the most suitable model with a FPRP <0.2 and moderate credibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Fok1 rs2228570 is closely linked to OC risk, and the dominant gene model is likely the most appropriate model for estimating OC susceptibility.

MicroRNA-126 affects ovarian cancer cell differentiation and invasion by modulating expression of vascular endothelial growth factor

Primary ovarian cancer is the main cause of gynecological cancer-associated mortality. However, the mechanism behind the spread of ovarian cancer requires elucidation. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of microRNA-126 (miR-126) on differentiation and invasion, and its mechanism in primary ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells transfected with LV3-has-miR-126 mimics and LV3-has-miR-126 inhibitor were produced; it was revealedthatLV-miR-126 mimics could induce cell cycle arrest at G₁ phase, suppress cell invasion through Matrigel-coated membranes and downregulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, LV-has-miR-126 inhibitor-transfected cells could increase the number of cells in S phase, induce cell invasion and upregulate the expression of VEGF. The present study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to report that miR-126 may serve tumor suppressor roles by inducing G₁ cell cycle arrest and suppressing invasion in ovarian cancer cells, at least in part by targeting VEGF expression.

Association of four genetic polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor-A gene and development of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis

This study meta-analyzed the literature on possible association of four polymorphisms (+936C/T, −460C/T, −2578C/A and −1154G/A) in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A gene with risk of ovarian cancer. Meta-analysis of 7 case-control studies involving +936C/T, 4 studies involving −460C/T, 4 studies involving −2578C/A and 2 studies involving −1154G/A showed significant association between −460C/T and ovarian cancer risk. This risk was observed in the total population (allelic model, OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.26–2.59, P = 0.001; recessive model, OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.13–2.98, P = 0.01; dominant model, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.39–0.67, P < 0.001; homozygous model, OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.72–3.56, P < 0.001; heterozygous model, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.26–2.21, P < 0.001) and in the subgroup of Asian study participants. The CA genotype at −2578C/A was a risk factor in the total population, while the CT genotype at +936C/T was a protective factor in Caucasians. None of the five genetic models suggested a significant association between −1154G/A and ovarian cancer risk in the entire study population, or between +936C/T and risk in Asian or Chinese participants. These findings should be verified in large, well-designed studies.

Genetic alterations of IDH1 and Vegf in brain tumors

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the presence of R132H mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +936 C/T polymorphism in brain tumors. The impact of these genetic alterations on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) was evaluated.

METHODS

A cohort of 80 patients surgically treated at Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, between March 2004 and November 2012, was analyzed. Tumors were distributed in 73 primary brain tumors (gliomas, meningiomas, hemangiopericytomas and hemangioblastomas) and seven secondary tumors evolved from a low grade glioma, thus providing a mixed sample.

RESULTS

IDH1^R132H gene mutation was found in 12 patients (15%) and appears more frequently in secondary tumors (5 (71.4%) whereas in 7 (9.7%) primary tumors (p < .001)). The mutation is related to WHO grade II in primary tumors and a supratentorial location in secondary tumors. The OS analysis for IDH1 showed a tendency towards a better prognosis of the tumors containing the mutation (p = .059).The IDH1^R132H mutation confers a better PFS (p = .025) on primary tumors. The T allele of VEFG +936 C/T polymorphism was found in 16 patients (20%). No relation was found between this polymorphism and primary or secondary tumor, neither with OS or PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

IDH1^R132H gene mutation is exclusive in supratentorial tumors and more frequent in secondary ones, with a greater survival trend and better PFS in patients who carry it. The T allele of VEGF +936 C/T polymorphism is more common in primary tumors, although there is no statistical relation with survival.

Three Polymorphisms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (+936C > T, -460C > T, and -2578C > A) and Their Susceptibility to Ovarian Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent endothelial cell mitogen that plays a vital role in angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. The associations between 3 polymorphisms of VEGF (+936 C > T, -2578 C > A, and -460 C > T) and ovarian cancer (OC) risk have been extensively investigated, but the currently available results are inconsistent. To obtain a more accurate estimation of the association, a meta-analysis was conducted in this study.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for all relevant studies published before November 30, 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the VEGF polymorphisms to assess the strength of the association.

RESULTS

With regard to the +936 C > T polymorphism, 5 articles were available for analysis (882 cases and 1155 controls), whereas for -2578 C > A (559 cases and 632 controls) and -460 C > T (350 cases and 409 controls), only 2 articles were eligible for analysis, respectively. A significant association between the VEGF +936 C/T polymorphism and OC was demonstrated in white populations (CT vs CC: OR, 0.638 [95% CI, 0.437-0.932; P = 0.020]; TT + CT vs CC: OR, 0.694 [95% CI, 0.483-0.995; P = 0.047]). No relationship was found between -2578 C > A and -460 C > T and susceptibility to develop OC.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provides supportive evidence that the VEGF +936 C/T polymorphism may influence the risk for the development of OC in a protective model among whites.

The potential anticancer effect of beta-blockers and the genetic variations involved in the interindividual difference

β-ARs are extensively spread in different tissues of our body, which could be activated by neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine to mediate physiological function and abnormal states including cancer. Recently, β-AR blockers could have significant implications in cancer therapy. But the precise molecular mechanisms are far from being fully understood. Through identifying the β-AR system signal pathways relevant to cancer, we can understand the mechanisms of β-blockers used for cancer treatment. What's more, retrospective clinical data made β-blockers jump out of the traditional field of cardiovascular disease and strengthened our confidence in cancer therapy. At last, genetic studies of β-adrenergic system offered crucial genes to analyze the effects of polymorphisms on cancer susceptibility, therapy response and prognosis of cancer patients.

VEGF Polymorphisms Related to Higher Serum Levels of Protein Identify Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary neoplasia of the liver. Major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include chronic liver diseases, carcinogenic agents, and genetic alterations as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) involved in angiogenesis process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of VEGF-A (C936T and A1154G) with HCC and cirrhosis, in addition to serum levels of VEGF, clinical profile, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities. A total of 346 individuals were studied: 102 with HCC (G1), 117 with cirrhosis (G2), and 127 controls (G3). Polymorphisms were analysed by PCR/RFLP and serum levels of VEGF by ELISA. Alpha error was set at 5%. The wild-type genotype of both polymorphisms prevailed (P > 0.05). In G1, 23% of the patients died, with no relation to genetic profile (P > 0.05). Increased VEGF level was observed in G1 and G3, related to the mutant allele of VEGF-C936T and VEGF-A1154G, respectively, and compared with the wild-type genotype (P = 0.0285; P = 0.0284, resp.) as well as G1 versus G2 and G3 for VEGF-C936T and G1 versus G2 for VEGF-A1154G (P < 0.05 for both). In conclusion, there is a relationship between mutant alleles of VEGF-C936T and VEGF-A1154G polymorphisms and higher VEGF level, making them potential markers for HCC.

Investigating impact of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Polymorphisms in Epithelial Ovarian Cancers: A Study in the Indian Population

Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the increasingly incident malignancies that is notorious because of its evasiveness for early diagnosis and high mortality rates. Epithelial ovarian cancers are highly dependent on pathologic vasculature and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor is known to be one of the most efficient angiogenic factors. Polymorphisms of the VEGF gene, in this study, were assessed for association with the malignancy and other clinico-pathological factors. 300 case samples and 320 age and mensus status matched controls were inculcated into the study. rs699947, rs833061, rs1570360, rs2010963, rs1413711 and rs3025039 were the six single nucleotide polymorphisms that were scrutinized. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. rs 3025039 showed immense promise as a marker for disease aggression and recurrence and a factor for poor prognosis. rs699947 showed least association with the disease and clinico-pathologic factors studied. rs833061, rs 1570360 showed significant association with some clinico-pathological factors such as bilateral affliction of ovaries and post operative CA-125 levels. rs2010963 associated with presence of ascites in higher volumes. The SNPs under consideration showed no formidable linkage in our study samples. A haplotype analysis (excluding rs699947 and rs1413711) revealed 5 frontrunners being present in >85% of the population with TGGC and CGCC associating significantly as protective and risk factors respectively. These haplotypes showed a dose dependent additive effect of their seeming functionality. This study is unique and a first of its kind carried out in the Indian population of South-east Asia.

Investigation on the role of VEGF gene polymorphisms in the risk of osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

The VEGF in low oxygen conditions are reported to prolong the survival of malignant cell, and thus this gene has a critical role in tumor growth and invasion as well as development of malignant tumor. We aimed to assess the association between the six common SNPs and the risk of osteosarcoma, and their association with environmental factors.

METHODS

176 subjects with osteosarcoma and 176 gender- and sex-matched healthy control individuals were enrolled into our study. The VEGF -2578C/A, -1156G/A, +1612G/A, +936C/T, -634G/C and -460T/C gene polymorphisms were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay according to manufacturer's instructions.

RESULTS

By conditional logistic regression analysis, AA and CA+AA genotypes of VEGF -2578C/A were associated with significant increased risk of osteosarcoma compared with CC genotype, and the ORs(95%CI) were 2.32(1.18-4.60) and 1.68(1.07-2.64), respectively. Moreover, individuals with CC and TC+CC genotypes of VEGF-460T/C had significant increased risk of osteosarcoma compared with those carrying with the TT genotype, and ORs(95%CI) were 2.15(1.10-4.21) and 1.60(1.0-2.58), respectively. By stratified analysis, we did not find statistically significant associated between VEGF -2578C/A and -460T/C gene polymorphisms and cancer risk by stratification analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that VEGF -2578C/A and -460T/C gene polymorphisms may be association with an increased risk of osteosarcoma.

Genetic Variants of VEGF (rs201963 and rs3025039) and KDR (rs7667298, rs2305948, and rs1870377) Are Associated with Glioma Risk in a Han Chinese Population: a Case-Control Study

A glioma is the most common type of brain tumor that accounts for nearly 80 % of brain cancers. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, the kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), are involved in the angiogenesis of cancers. In this study, we investigate whether the polymorphisms of VEGF and KDR are associated with a glioma risk. Blood samples were collected from 477 glioma patients and 477 healthy controls. Five tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KDR were obtained from the HapMap database, and eight tag-SNPs of VEGF were selected based on previous studies. After extraction of genomic DNAs by a Qiagen DNA blood kit, the SNPs of VEGF and KDR were genotyped with a Sequenom MassArray iPLEX platform and further analyzed with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. The odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to assess the association between VEGF, KDR polymorphisms, and glioma risks with the aid of SPSS 13.0 software. The haplotype analysis demonstrated that two SNPs of VEGF [rs3025039 (C>T), rs2010963 (G>C)] could elevate the susceptibility to a glioma in the homozygous model [odds ratio (OR) = 3.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30-7.49, P = 0.007) and OR = 1.58 (95% CI 1.07-2.34, P = 0.022), respectively], dominant model [OR = 1.38 (95% CI 1.04-1.84, P = 0.025) and OR = 1.32 (95% CI 1.01-1.72, P = 0.043), respectively], and allelic model [OR = 1.43 (95% CI 1.11-1.84, P = 0.005) and OR = 1.24 (95% CI 1.04-1.50, P = 0.019), respectively]. Furthermore, three SNPs of KDR [rs7667298 (A>G), rs2305948 (C>T), rs1870377 (T>A)] were also assumed to be associated with an increased risk of a glioma in the homozygous [OR = 1.93 (95% CI 1.30-2.86, P = 0.001), OR = 2.56 (95% CI 1.28-5.11, P = 0.006), and OR = 1.52 (95% CI 1.00-2.31, P = 0.049), respectively], dominant [OR = 1.52 (95% CI 1.16-1.98, P = 0.002), OR = 1.41 (95% CI 1.05-1.87, P = 0.020), and OR = 1.48 (95% CI 1.13-1.93, P = 0.004), respectively], and allele models [OR = 1.39 (95% CI 1.15-1.67, P = 0.001), OR = 1.47 (95% CI 1.14-1.89, P = 0.002), and OR = 1.27 (95% CI 1.05-1.52, P = 0.013), respectively]. The genetic polymorphisms of VEGF [rs3025039 (C>T), rs2010963 (G>C)] and KDR [rs7667298 (A>G), rs2305948 (C>T), rs1870377 (T>A)] increased glioma susceptibility in a Chinese population, suggesting the possibility of VEGF and KDR as genetic markers for glioma. Additional functional and association studies with different ethnic groups included are needed to further confirm our results.