The VEGF +405 G>C 5' untranslated region polymorphism and risk of PCOS: a study in the South Indian Women

The Molecular Basis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Cardiometabolic Correlates: Exploring the Intersection and Its Clinical Implications-A Narrative Review

Recent studies have highlighted the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and cardiometabolic diseases, leading to an improved understanding of the underlying mechanistic factors. PCOS significantly increases cardiovascular risk by predisposing individuals to various subclinical and clinical conditions, including atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, it interacts synergistically with other traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance. Several molecular mechanisms involving genetics, epigenetics, adipokine secretion, hyperandrogenemia, and hyperinsulinemia play a role in the relationship between PCOS and these comorbidities. For instance, androgen excess has been implicated in the development of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, endothelial dysfunction, and ultimately, broader cardiovascular disease. A deeper understanding of these underlying mechanisms facilitates the development of diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic strategies directed at reducing cardiometabolic morbidity. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence, explores the potential clinical implications of these findings, and discusses emerging therapies to reduce cardiometabolic morbidity in women with PCOS.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Single Nucleotide Polymorphism +405 G/C (rs2010963) is associated with Levels, Infection Severity, and Amputation among South Indian Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients

Background

The regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by genetic factors in T2DM and DFU still requires thorough investigation. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the association of VEGF +405 G/C in DFU subjects and correlate it with its circulatory levels, infection severity, and amputation rate.

Materials and Methods

This study registered a total of 754 participants of which group I: healthy controls (n = 297), group II: T2DM subjects (n = 242), and group III: DFU subjects (n = 215). Genotyping and levels of rs2010963 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and ELISA, respectively.

Results

Results of the current study showed a clear decline in circulatory VEGF-A levels in DFU subjects. VEGF-A was decreased in DFU subjects with the mutant "CC" genotype. The mutant "CC" of VEGF +405G/C was also found to be more susceptible to ulcer grade (III and IV) and major amputations.

Conclusion

VEGF +405G/C SNP is associated with levels, infection severity, and amputation amongst South Indian DFU patients.

Polymorphisms rs2010963 and rs833061 of the VEGF gene in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE:

The polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder, characterized by the dysregulation of ovarian angiogenesis. This alteration can be related to changes in the activities of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been observed in the promoter, intronic, and untranslated regions of the VEGF gene, and several studies have suggested that these polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the association between rs2010963 and rs833061 polymorphisms and haplotypes of VEGF in the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome.

METHODS:

A total of 210 women, 102 diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and 108 controls, participated in this study. The genotyping of the samples was performed by PCR-RFLP and real-time PCR for rs2010963 and rs833061 polymorphisms, respectively. The statistical analyses were performed by the chi-square test and logistic regression model.

RESULTS:

The clinical characteristics of the patients showed that 75.8% of the patients did not become pregnant, 36.3% had a family history of polycystic ovary syndrome, 58.6% were obese, and about 60% had clinical characteristics of hyperandrogenism. There were no associations between the distribution of rs2010963 (OR 1.24; 95%CI 0.60–2.57; p=0.56) and rs833061 (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.32–1.92; p=0.59) in patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS:

The patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have similar rates of VEGF polymorphisms rs2010963 and rs833061 on the general population.

Polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor and recurrent implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the associations between polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

METHODS

We performed the systematic review and meta-analysis by searching databases of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for studies that evaluated the associations between VEGF polymorphisms with RIF. Meta-analysis was performed if the polymorphism was studied by more than two case-control studies. Data were analyzed using R software. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported to assess the associations.

RESULTS

Nine VEGF polymorphisms (-1154G > A, -460T > C, +405G > C, -7C > T, -634C > G, -2578C > A, +936C > T, 5C > T, -583C > T) were systematically reviewed. Meta-analysis was performed on VEGF -1154 G > A polymorphism. Three case-control studies consisted of 683 women were included in the quantitative meta-analysis (305 RIF patients and 378 controls). Results showed that VEGF -1154A allele was significantly associated with RIF (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.78, P-value = 0.01). The dominant genetic model showed that VEGF 1154AA plus VEGF 1154AG genotypes were more frequent in RIF patients than VEGF 1154GG genotype (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.10-2.20, P-value = 0.01). However, the result under the recessive genetic model showed no significant difference (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.92-3.03, P-value = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

VEGF -1154A allele may serve as one of the predisposing factors of RIF. Women with VEGF 1154 AA/GA genotypes were at higher risk of RIF. However, we should consider the haplotype effect of VEGF polymorphisms in future studies.

Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Human Embryo Implantation: Clinical Implications

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. VEGF also contributes to the process of embryo implantation by enhancing embryo development, improving endometrial receptivity, and facilitating the interactions between the developing embryo and the endometrium. There is a correlation between the alteration of VEGF expression and reproductive failure, including recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM). In order to clarify the role of VEGF in embryo implantation, we reviewed recent literature concerning the expression and function of VEGF in the reproductive system around the time of embryo implantation and we provide a summary of the findings reported so far. We also explored the effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of VEGF in embryo implantation.

VEGF gene rs35569394 polymorphism in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between the clinicopathological and sociodemographics characteristics of acral melanomas diagnosed at BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of VEGF gene insertion (I) / deletion (D) polymorphism (rs35569394) in patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and to compare with a control population to verify its association with the pathology.

METHODS

206 women participated in this study, 103 with PCOS (group of patients) and 103 without the disease (control group). After extraction of genomic DNA from the samples, molecular analysis was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis in polycrylamide. Descriptive analysis, univariate analysis and logistic regression model were used. Results were presented in odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), considering the significance of p <0.05.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences between patients and controls for allele frequencies (χ2 = 1.16, p = 0.56). The genotypic frequency distribution was in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium for the patients (χ2 = 2.42; p <0.05), but not for the control group (χ2 = 7.26; p <0.05). Regarding risk factors for the syndrome, a history of familial PCOS is more frequent among women with the syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, there is no association between VEGF gene I / D polymorphism and PCOS.

Epidemiology, pathogenesis, genetics & management of polycystic ovary syndrome in India

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder predominantly affecting women of reproductive age. Clinical manifestations are diverse including hyperandrogenism, anovulation, infertility and increased risk of metabolic diseases besides psychosocial dysfunction. This review provides information on the problem of PCOS in India, its pathophysiology, genetics and an overview of current management options to instigate further research in this field. Prevalence of PCOS in India ranges from 3.7 to 22.5 per cent depending on the population studied and the criteria used for diagnosis. Abnormalities in leptin-adiponectin (adipocyte biology), oxidative stress and autoimmunity are among the mechanisms studied regarding pathogenesis of PCOS. Many candidate gene studies have shown associations with PCOS in various studies. Studies have consistently demonstrated the relationship between the well-known manifestation of hyperandrogenism among Indian PCOS women and the metabolic morbidities including insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and cardiovascular risk. Management of individual components of PCOS can be achieved by medications or surgical methods, though further clarification regarding pathogenesis of PCOS is needed to sharpen our therapeutic armamentarium.

Diagnostic value of miR-199a and miR-21 in the plasma of infertile women with dysregulated AMH levels

This work aimed to explore the expression pattern of circulating miR-199a-3p, miR-21-5p and miR-let7i-3p in infertile women with dysregulated AMH levels. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure miR-199a-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-let7i-3p expression levels in 60 plasma samples of infertile women with low or high AMH levels. Bioinformatic analyses for microRNAs predicting target genes and molecular pathways were performed according to gene ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathways. Only miR-199a-3p and miR-21-5p were significantly over and under-expressed, respectively, in the plasma samples of all infertile women with low or high AMH levels versus controls (p-value = 0.01). Furthermore, the diagnostic value miR-199a-3p yielded a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 with a 95% CI [0.72-0.92] and an AUC of 0.81, for miR-21-5p, 95% CI [0.69-0.92]. The combined ROC curve of miR-21 and miR-199a provided an optimal combination with AUC = 0.98, 95% CI [0.96-1], and, a cut-off point (0.42) which provided 98% sensitivity and 87% specificity. In conclusion, circulating miR-199a-3p and miR-21-5p vary significantly whenever AMH levels of infertile women are disturbed and could potentially serve as non-invasive biomarkers in distinguishing infertile from fertile women.

Association between VEGF gene polymorphisms (11 sites) and polycystic ovary syndrome risk

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in ovarian folliculogenesis and normal reproductive function. So far, several studies focusing on association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, above association between the VEGF gene polymorphisms and PCOS susceptibility is uncertain. Hence, we performed a timely meta-analysis containing all current publications to make clear this relationship. We searched articles from the PubMed, Embase and Chinese language (WanFang and CNKI) databases that were published up until May 10, 2019. Finally, we obtained 9 studies, containing 29 case-control studies and 11 different polymorphisms. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were revealed association strengths. There were significantly decreased associations between rs2010963 (-634), +9812, +405 polymorphisms and PCOS risk. Nevertheless, there existed increased associations between rs699947 (-2578), rs833061, rs1570360 (-1154), rs3025020, rs3025039 polymorphisms and PCOS susceptibility. Our current analysis suggested VEGF gene polymorphisms may be associated with PCOS risk, which is possible to be expected to become biomarkers of early detection for women.

Association of vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms with polycystic ovarian syndrome risk: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-gene hereditary disorder caused by the interaction of certain gene variation with environmental factors. Previous studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome. However, the results of these studies remain controversial. We performed the present meta-analysis aiming to further investigate the potential relationship between VEGF polymorphisms and susceptibility to PCOS.

METHODS

The following databases were systematically searched: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Databases. The correlation between VEGF polymorphisms and PCOS risk was assessed by calculating pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity and source of control were also conducted. Besides, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was done to verify the reliability of the pooled results.

RESULTS

10 relevant case-control studies were incorporated in this meta-analysis, involving 1347 PCOS cases and 1378 controls. The VEGF rs2010963 polymorphism was associated with decreased PCOS risk in the whole population and the Asian populations. The VEGF rs3025039 polymorphism was associated with decreased PCOS susceptibility and the Asian populations, but increased risk of PCOS was observed among the Caucasian populations. In addition, the results of trial sequential analysis (TSA) showed the negative correlation between rs2010963 and PCOS risk, obtained by our meta-analysis, was stable and reliable.

CONCLUSION

Overall, different VEGF gene polymorphisms may exert different effects on PCOS susceptibility. The VEGF rs2010963 polymorphism decreases PCOS susceptibility in both the whole population and the Asian populations, and VEGF rs3025039 polymorphism causes lower PCOS susceptibility in the whole population and the Asian populations but higher in the Caucasian populations.

Association between vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and PCOS risk: a meta-analysis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays important roles in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the VEGF gene have been identified and are associated with the aberrant secretion of VEGF protein. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of the VEGF +405G>C (rs2010963), -460C>T (rs833061) and -2578A>C (rs699947) polymorphisms on PCOS susceptibility. A systematic search of the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Wanfang databases was carried out to identify relevant studies published before 19 July 2019. Seven eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis involving 1100 patients with PCOS and 1141 control individuals. The pooled analysis revealed no significant association between PCOS risk and the +405G>C (rs2010963), -460C>T (rs833061) or -2578A>C (rs699947) polymorphisms in women. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that Asian women carrying the VEGF +405C allele had a lower risk of PCOS (C versus G: odds ratio [OR] 0.731, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.544-0.982, P < 0.05, I² = 46.4%; CG versus GG: OR 0.667, 95% CI 0.469-0.948, P < 0.05, I² = 18.4%; CC versus GG: OR 0.611, 95% CI 0.390-0.958, P < 0.05, I² = 24.3%). The study demonstrates that for all women regardless of ethnicity, no significant associations between VEGF SNP and PCOS were observed; however, +405G>C (rs2010963) may protect Asian women from PCOS.

Haplotype analysis of VEGF gene polymorphisms in polycystic ovary syndrome

This study evaluated the association of polymorphisms of VEGF (endothelial vascular growth factor) gene + 936C/T (rs3025039), 1154 G/A (rs 1570360) and -2578 C/A (rs 699947) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to perform the haplotypes formed by the alleles in the Brazilian population. A total of 110 women without PCOS and 112 women with PCOS were included in the study. Genotyping analyses were performed using the PCR-RFLP assays (rs 3025039 and rs 699947) and by allelic discrimination using the real-time PCR technique (rs 1570360). In the univariate analysis, we observed a significant difference between the groups for the polymorphism rs 1570360 and this polymorphism presented statistical differences between the groups for the recessive model (p = .04). The frequency of the T-G-C haplotype showed a statistically significant difference between women with PCOS and controls (p = .05). The -2578 A/C polymorphism was more frequent in the control group, which may be associated with a protective characteristic for the PCOS manifestation. In the sample analysis, polymorphism rs 1570360 is associated with PCOS and the T-G-C haplotype could be associated with protective factors.

Analysis of VEGF gene polymorphisms and serum VEGF protein levels contribution in polycystic ovary syndrome of patients

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known factor in reproductive function and contributes to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Genetic variations in VEGFA gene were suggested to contribute alterations in VEGF secretion and PCOS. This study evaluated the association of VEGFA SNPs with altered VEGF secretion level and PCOS among ethnically-matched control women. This prospective case-control study was conducted from 2016 to 2018 and comprised of 55 women with PCOS and 52 control subjects. ELISA was used to measure VEGF levels; and various other related bio chemicals whereas the genotyping of VEGFA variants was performed through the analysis of nine SNPs of VEGF. PRL, E2, PRGE testosterone and glucose level were found to be insignificantly different. The levels of FSH, LH, LH/FSH, TT, insulin, SHBG and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the study group. Among the nine tested variants of VEGF SNPs, two SNPs rs3025020 and rs833061, consisted of TT (Recessive and Dominant homozygous, respectively) which were marginally higher in test. The SNP rs1570360 had significantly higher GG allele (32.73%) which was recessive homozygous. There was no significant difference observed in genotype frequencies related to higher value of VEGF. The genotype frequencies for the studied SNPs were in alignment with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The mean serum VEGF levels got significantly increased in PCOS group. No significant association was found between VEGF genotypes and its serum levels. VEGF levels in rs699947 (AA-major homozygous), rs3025039 (CC-major homozygous) and rs833061 (TT & CC-major & minor homozygous) genotypes were significantly higher in PCOS. The study results evidently proved that the allelic variants in genes may be a factor for PCOS and VEGF serum levels with respect to few SNP variants only. These findings indicated that VEGF may be involved in PCOS status and confirmed the previous association between genetic variants in VEGF, serum level of VEGF protein and PCOS.

Association between the vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in Northern Chinese women

The present study aimed to investigate whether the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2010963 and rs833061 in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene is correlated with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Northern Chinese women, as a preliminary study. This case-control study comprised 118 women with PCOS and 130 healthy women as controls. Genotyping of the two polymorphisms within the VEGF gene 5'-untranslated region and promoter region were performed using polymerase chain reaction ligase detection reaction method. The data showed that there was a significant difference in the genotype and allele distribution of the rs2010963 polymorphism between the PCOS group and the control group (p = .020 and .033, respectively). The women carrying the C allele (G/C + C/C genotype) had a lower risk of PCOS compared with the women with G/G genotype [odds ratio (OR = 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33-0.91]. Our study shows for the first time that the rs2010963 polymorphism may be associated with a risk of PCOS in Northern Chinese women.

Influence of tumour suppressor gene (TP53, BRCA1 and BRCA2) polymorphisms on polycystic ovary syndrome in South Indian women

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous multifactorial endocrine metabolic disorder. In addition to hyperandrogenism, acne, hirsutism, obesity, oligoanovulation and infertility, insulin resistance is also a common feature in women of PCOS. Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) perform essential function in the maintenance of genomic stability and regulatory pathways influencing the activity of several replication and transcription factors. The main aim of this study was to investigate the association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of TP53, BRCA1and BRCA2 genes with the susceptibility to PCOS in South Indian women.

STUDY DESIGN

Present study investigated association between TP53 gene (rs1042522 G/C), BRCA1 (rs71361504 -/GTT, rs3092986 T/C) and BRCA2 (rs206118 A/G) and, SNPs and PCOS risk. Genotyping of TSGs was carried out on DNA from PCOS patients (n = 110) and controls (n = 130) of South Indian origin by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed by sequencing analysis. The genotype frequency and allele distributions of cases and controls were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Haplotype frequencies for multiple loci and the standardized disequilibrium coefficient (D') for pair wise linkage disequilibrium (LD) were assessed by Haploview Software.

RESULTS

Significant increase in frequencies ofTP53 (rs1042522 G/C), BRCA1 (rs71361504 -/GTT, rs3092986 T/C) genotypes and alleles in patients compared to controls. In addition, the frequency of the C/T (P = 0.002) and A/C (P = 0.012) haplotype was also significantly elevated in patients. But BRCA2 (rs206118 A/G) did not show significant association with PCOS.

CONCLUSION

The TP53 and BRCA1 may constitute an inheritable risk factor for PCOS in South Indian women.

Ovarian angiogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine pathology among women in reproductive age. Its main symptoms are oligo or amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and the presence of ovarian cysts. It is also associated with infertility, obesity and insulin resistance. Mainly due to its heterogeneity, PCOS treatments are directed to manage its symptoms and to prevent associated diseases. The correct formation and regression of blood vessels during each ovarian cycle is indispensable for proper follicular development, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The importance of these processes opened a new and promising field: ovarian angiogenesis. Vascular alterations characterize numerous pathologies, either with increased, decreased or abnormal angiogenesis. In the last years, several anomalies of ovarian angiogenesis have been described in women with PCOS. Therefore, it has been suggested that these alterations may be associated with the decreased - or lack of - ovulation rates and for the formation of cysts in the PCOS ovaries. Restoration of a proper vessel formation in the ovaries may lead to improved follicular development and ovulation in these patients. In the present review, we attempt to summarize the alterations in ovarian angiogenesis that have been described in women with PCOS. We also discuss the therapeutic approaches aimed to correct these alterations and their beneficial effects on the treatment of infertility in PCOS.

Impact of mitochondrial DNA copy number and displacement loop alterations on polycystic ovary syndrome risk in south Indian women

Sequencing of mitochondrial displacement-loop (D-loop) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and (n=118) and controls (n=114) of south Indian origin showed significant association of D310 (P=0.042) and A189G (P=0.018) SNPs with PCOS. qRT-PCR analysis revealed significantly diminished mtDNA copy number in PCOS patients compared to controls (P=0.038). Furthermore, mtDNA copy number was significantly lower in PCOS cases carrying D310 and 189G alleles when compared to non-carriers (P=0.001 and 0.006 respectively). The D310 carriers also showed significantly elevated LH/FSH ratio (P=0.026). In conclusion, mtDNA D-loop and copy number alterations may constitute an inheritable risk factor for PCOS in south Indian women.

Analysis of VEGFA Variants and Changes in VEGF Levels Underscores the Contribution of VEGF to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contributes to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and genetic variations in VEGFA gene were suggested to contribute to VEGF secretion and PCOS.

Aim

To evaluate the association of altered VEGF levels, stemming from the presence of specific VEGFA variants, with altered risk of PCOS.

Subjects and Methods

Retrospective case-control study, performed between 2012–2015. Study subjects comprised 382 women with PCOS, and 393 control subjects. ELISA measured VEGF levels; genotyping of VEGFA variants was done by allelic exclusion.

Results

Among the 12 tested VEGFA SNPs, minor allele frequency of only rs3025020 was significantly higher in PCOS cases than control women. Increased and reduced PCOS risk was seen with rs3025020 and rs2010963 genotypes, respectively. Increases and reduction in VEGF levels were associated with rs3025020 and rs2010963, respectively. Increased fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, and bioactive testosterone were linked with rs3025020, while carriage of rs2010963 was linked with reduction in fasting insulin, and free and bioactive testosterone. Of the 12 VEGFA variants, 9 were in LD, thus allowing construction of 9-locus haplotypes. Increased frequency of CAACAGCGA haplotype was seen in PCOS cases, after controlling for BMI, free and bioactive testosterone, SHBG, free insulin and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

This study confirms the contribution of altered VEGF secretion, resulting from genetic variation in VEGFA gene into the pathogenesis of PCOS. This supports a role for VEGF as PCOS candidate locus.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) gene variation in polycystic ovary syndrome in a Tunisian women population

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by the growth of a number of small cysts on the ovaries which leads to sex hormonal imbalance. Women who are affected by this syndrome suffer from irregular menstrual cycles, decline in their fertility, excessive hair growth, obesity, acne and most importantly cardiac function problems. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in tissue vascularization in general and in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The PCOS was found to be associated with high expression levels of VEGF. In women who undergo assisted reproductive procedures (ART), VEGF was found to be a key mediator of other factors to control ovary angiogenesis. Here, we set out to examine the association of VEGFA gene polymorphism with PCOS and its components in a population of Tunisia women to enhance our understanding of the genetic background leading angiogenesis and vascularization abnormalities in PCOS.

METHODS

The association of VEGFA gene with PCOS and its components was examined in a cohort of 268 women from Tunisia involving 118 PCOS patients and 150 controls. VEGFA gene variations were assessed through the analysis of the following SNPs rs699947 (A/C), rs833061 (C/T), rs1570360 (G/A), rs833068 (G/A), rs3025020 (C/T), and rs3025039 (C/T). The linkage disequilibrium between SNPs was assessed using HAPLOVIEW software while combination of SNPs into haplotypes in the population and the reconstruction of the cladogram were carried-out by PHASE and ARLEQUIN programs, respectively. Genetic association and genotype-phenotype correlations were calculated by logistic regression and non-parametric tests (Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests), respectively, using StatView program.

RESULTS

We observed 10 haplotypes in our studied cohort whereH1 (ACGG), H2 (ACAG), H7 (CTGG) and H8 (CTGA) were the most frequent. We observed the association of the genotype CT of the SNP rs30225039 with PCOS phenotype (P = 0.03; OR 95 % CI = 2.05 [1.07-3.90]) and a trend for correlation of the pair of haplotypes H2/H2 with prolactin levels in plasma (P = 0.077; 193.5 ± 94.3 vs 45.7 ± 7.2). These data are consistent with literature and highlight one more time the role of vascularization in the pathogeny of PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

LD pattern in VEGF locus showed a similar LD pattern between the Tunisian population and the CEU. More haplotypes in the Tunisian population than in CEU was observed (22 haplotypes vs 16 haplotypes) suggesting higher recombination rate in Tunisians. The study showed that there was any advantage of using haplotypes compared with SNPs taken alone.

Analysis of Connexin37 gene C1019T polymorphism and PCOS susceptibility in South Indian population: case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and multifactorial disorder believed to be the consequence of a complex interaction between genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. The main aim of this study was to investigate the association of Connexin37 (Cx37)/Gap junction alpha 4 (GJA4) gene C1019T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with the susceptibility to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in South Indian women.

STUDY DESIGN

This study comprises 98 PCOS patients and 100 healthy women without PCOS of South Indian origin. We genotyped total of seventeen selected Cx37 SNPs including C1019T (rs1764391) by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis. The genotype frequency and allele distributions of cases and controls were analyzed using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The genotype and allele frequencies of the C1019T polymorphism significantly differ between cases and controls. The frequencies of C/C genotype (P=0.009) and 'C' allele (P=0.002) of the C1019T polymorphism showed a significant prevalence in cases compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the Cx37 C1019T variation may contribute to the risk of PCOS in the South Indian women.

Interactions of smoking with rs833061 polymorphism on the risk of non-alcoholic fat liver disease in Hubei Han population: a preliminary case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has biological actions on energy homeostasis, inflammation and insulin resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the association between VEGF -460 T/C (rs833061), and +936 C/T (rs3025039) polymorphism and risk of non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Hubei Han population and to further explore the interactions of smoking with rs833061 and rs3025039.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

341 healthy controls and 246 cases were recruited. Two variants, rs833061 and rs3025039, were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The unconditional logistic regression (ULR) was performed to assess the association of the two variants with risk of NAFLD. Gene-environment interactions on the risk of NAFLD were preliminarily explored by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) and further confirmed by ULR methods.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, increased risk of NAFLD was observed in patients carrying CT/CC genotypes in rs833061 and rs3025039 (ORa=1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.51, 2.36, Pa =0.000; ORa=1.89, 95% CI: 1.41, 2.82, Pa =0.000, respectively). Interaction of smoking with rs833061 was found by GMDR, with maximum prediction accuracy (67.91%) and a maximum cross-validation consistency (10/10). ULR method confirmed that, smoking-positive patients with genotype CT/CC had 4.93 times risk of NAFLD compared to smoking-negative participants with genotype TT (ORadd (a)=4.93, 95% CI: 2.91, 8.54, P add (a)=0.000), which further confirmed synergistic effects.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that both rs833061 and rs3025039 are associated with NAFLD risk. Furthermore, rs833061 is likely to have an interaction with smoking, and they have synergistic effects on risk of NAFLD in Hubei Han population.