Vascular endothelial growth factor gene 936 C/T polymorphism in breast cancer patients

Association of VEGF haplotypes with breast cancer risk in North-West Indians

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is a complex and coordinated process regulated by different growth factors and is one of the hallmark features of cancer. VEGF is one of the most important endothelial cell mitogen and has a critical role in normal physiological and tumor angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential association of haplotypes of six VEGF polymorphisms with breast cancer risk in North-West Indians.

METHODS

Samples of 250 breast cancer patients and 250 age and sex matched controls were genotyped for VEGF -2578C/A, -2549I/D, -460T/C, +405C/G, -7C/T and +936C/T polymorphisms. Haplotypes were generated to determine the better contribution of VEGF polymorphisms to breast cancer risk.

RESULTS

Haplotypes CDTCCC (OR = 0.56, 95%CI, 0.38-0.81; p = 0.003) and CDTGCC (OR = 0.63, 95%CI, 0.44-0.92; p = 0.018) of VEGF -2578C/A, -2549I/D, -460T/C, +405C/G, -7C/T and +936C/T polymorphisms were significantly associated with decreased risk of breast cancer. CDTCCC haplotype was also significantly associated with reduced risk of breast cancer in pre and post menopausal as well as both obese and non obese patients. Haplotype CDTGCC was marginally associated (p = 0.07) with reduced risk of breast cancer in non-obese patients as compared with non-obese controls where as haplotype AICGTC was marginally associated (p = 0.09) with reduced risk of breast cancer in obese patients when compared with non-obese patients. The CDTGCC haplotype was significantly associated with increased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal obese patients (OR = 1.98, 95%CI, 1.10-3.56; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that CDTCCC and CDTGCC haplotypes of VEGF -2578C/A, -2549I/D, -460T/C, +405C/G, -7C/T and +936C/T polymorphisms were significantly associated with breast cancer risk in North-West Indians. Further studies on multiethnic groups with larger sample size are required to confirm our results.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Vegf) +936 C/T Gene Polymorphisms and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis Involving 4,138 Subjects

The association between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +936 C/T gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk is still controversial and ambiguous. The objective of our study was to investigate this association. The Medline and Embase databases were searched by two investigators. Crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to test the association between VEGF +936 C/T polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk. Our meta-analysis comprised seven case-control studies, which included 1,893 gastric cancer cases and 2,245 controls. The combined results showed that there was no relationship between VEGF +936 C/T gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk (cc: OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85, 1.11; CT: OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.88, 1.16; TT: OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.79, 1.55). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity and stage, location, and Lauren classification of gastric cancer did not change the results. This meta-analysis suggests that there is no association between VEGF +936 C/T polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk. Further studies should pay attention to other potentially functional SNPs.

Prognostic evaluation of VEGFA genotypes and haplotypes in a cohort of Brazilian women with non metastatic breast cancer

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) mediates angiogenesis, which is crucial for tumor development and progression. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of VEGFA gene polymorphisms rs699947, rs833061, rs1570360, rs2010963 and rs3025039 on breast cancer features and prognosis. A cohort of Brazilian women (N = 1038) with unilateral non-metastatic breast cancer was evaluated. The association between VEGFA polymorphisms and histopathological features or pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was evaluated by the Chi-square test, with calculation of the respective odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The impact of individual categories on disease-free survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models for calculation of adjusted hazard ratios (HRadjusted). Variant genotypes of rs699947 (CA + AA) were significantly associated with high-grade (G2 + G3) tumors (OR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.15 - 2.89), and with shorter disease-free survival among patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by mastectomy (HRadjusted = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.16 - 2.86). Variant genotypes of rs833061 (TC + CC) were significantly associated with high-grade (G2 + G3) tumors (OR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.12 - 2.84) and with positive lymph node status (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.01 - 1.77), but showed no independent effect on disease-free survival. Variant haplotypes (*2 to *5) appear to favor pCR (OR = 7.1; 95% CI = 1.7 - 30.1). VEGFA genotyping may add to prognostic evaluation of breast cancer, with rs699947 being the most likely to contribute.

The Association Between VEGF +936C/T and -634G/C Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer Susceptibility, Tumor Growth, and Metastases: Evidence From 20,728 Subjects

The relation between the polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and breast cancer remains inconclusive. In our meta-analysis based on 10,340 breast cancer patients and 10,388 controls, we found breast cancer susceptibility was elevated in individuals carrying the VEGF +936C allele, especially in Asians, and the +936CC increases tumor growth. The G allele of -634G/C polymorphism reduces breast cancer susceptibility in Asians, and breast cancer patients of -634GG genotype has decreased tumor growth. These results suggest that both the VEGF +936C/T and -634G/C polymorphisms influence breast cancer susceptibility and tumor growth, instead of metastasis.

The single nucleotide polymorphism +936 C/T VEGF is associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression in Moroccan breast cancer women

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent regulator of angiogenesis, is involved in the development and progression of breast cancer (BC). The functional +936 C/T polymorphism of the VEGF-A gene has been implicated in BC susceptibility; however, published data are conflicting. In the current case-control study, we analyzed the association of the +936 C/T polymorphism with BC risk and tumor markers expression, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) and caner antigen 15.3 (CA 15.3) in Moroccan women. We genotyped the DNA of 70 BC patients and 70 healthy women by TaqMan SNP assays. The χ(2) test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analyses. The overall results revealed that there is no association between the +936 C/T polymorphism and BC risk [p = 0.8; OR 0.87, 95 % CI (0.32-2.42)]. However, when we stratified the group of patients according to the status of tumor markers, a statistical significant association of +936 C/T SNP and HER2/neu expression was observed (p = 0.009). In contrast, no association with the other tumor marker, CA 15.3, was found (p = 0.090). Thus, the +936 C/T polymorphism seems to have a correlation with HER/neu expression in BC disease.

Association of +405C>G and +936C>T polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene with sporadic breast cancer in North Indians

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endothelial cell specific mitogen, has been implicated as a critical factor influencing tumor related angiogenesis. The aim of present study was to evaluate the relationship between VEGF +936C>T and +405C>G polymorphisms of VEGF with risk of breast cancer in Punjab, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened DNA samples of 192 sporadic breast cancer patients and 192 unrelated healthy, gender and age matched control individuals for VEGF +936C>T and +405C>G polymorphisms using the PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

For the VEGF +405C>G polymorphism, we observed significantly increased frequency of GG genotype in cases as compared to controls and strong association of +405GG genotype was observed with three fold risk for breast cancer (OR=3.07; 95%CI 1.41-6.65; p=0.003). For the +936C>T polymorphism, significant associations of CT and combined CT+TT genotypes were observed with elevated risk of breast cancer (p=0.021; 0.023). The combined genotype combinations of GG-CC and GG- CT of +405C>G and +936C>T polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with increased risk of breast cancer (p=0.04; 0.0064).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study indicated significant associations of VEGF +936C>T and +405C>G polymorphisms with increased breast cancer risk in patients from Punjab, North India.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk in a Chinese population

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent regulator of angiogenesis and thereby involved in the development and progression of solid tumours. Associations between three VEGF gene polymorphisms (-634 G/C, +936 C/T, and +1612 G/A) and breast cancer risk have been extensively studied, but the currently available results are inconclusive. Our aim was to investigate associations between three VEGF gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk in Chinese Han patients. We performed a hospital-based case-control study including 680 female incident breast cancer patients and 680 female age-matched healthy control subjects. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was performed to detect the three VEGF gene polymorphisms. We observed that women carriers of +936 TT genotypes [odds ratio (OR) =0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28, 0.76; P=0.002] or 936 T-allele (OR=0.81, 95% CI= 0.68, 0.98; P=0.03) had a protective effect concerning the disease. Our study suggested that the +1612G/A polymorphism was unlikely to be associated with breast cancer risk. The -634CC genotype was significantly associated with high tumor aggressiveness [large tumor size (OR=2.63, 95% CI=1.15, 6.02; P=0.02) and high histologic grade (OR=1.47, 95% CI= 1.06, 2.03; P=0.02)]. The genotypes were not related with other tumor characteristics such as regional or distant metastasis, stage at diagnosis, or estrogen or progesterone receptor status. Our study revealed that the VEGF -634 G/C and +936 C/T gene polymorphisms may be associated with breast cancer in Chinese Han patients.

Polymorphism of VEGF-460C/T associated with the risk and clinical characteristics of lung cancer in Chinese population

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of angiogenesis in the process of tumor growth and metastasis. Different VEGF gene polymorphisms have been shown to result in different VEGF protein expression in cancer cells and tumor angiogenic activity. We conducted a case-control study to evaluate the genetic effects of VEGF-460C/T polymorphism on the development of lung cancer. One hundred and twenty-six lung cancer patients and 160 sex-, age-, and ethnic-matched healthy controls were recruited for this study. The genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by logistic regression analysis. Our study showed that the TT genotype was associated with increased lung cancer risk than those with the CC (OR = 1.99, 95 % CI 1.05-3.77) or CT/CC (OR = 1.89, 95 % CI 1.17-3.06) genotype. Moreover, it was observed that the TT genotype associated with the advanced stage among lung cancer patients (TT vs. CC: OR = 3.09, 95 % CI 1.10-8.66). More studies are needed to detect VEGF-460C/T polymorphism and its association with lung cancer in different ethnic populations incorporated with environmental exposures.

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor a polymorphisms in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females and the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, plays an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), the key modulator of angiogenesis, is highly expressed in cancer tissue and correlates with its more aggressive features. Polymorphisms of VEGFA alter the levels of expression and subsequently influence the susceptibility and aggressiveness of breast cancer. Assessment of VEGFA polymorphisms may be used for the identification of patients suitable for anti-VEGFA therapy.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese Han population

The association between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk is still controversial and ambiguous. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in Chinese Han patients. We extracted the peripheral blood samples in 150 patients with gastric cancer and 150 controls. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was performed to detect three VEGF gene polymorphisms (-634 G/C, +936 C/T, and +1612 G/A) in these patients. Patients with gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of 1612 AA genotype (OR=6.26, 95% CI=1.80, 21.85; P=0.004) than controls. Patients with cardia gastric cancer had a significantly lower frequency of AA (OR=0.11, 95% CI=0.01, 0.89; P=0.04) than those with noncardia gastric cancer. Patients with Lauren's diffuse-type gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of AA (OR=3.41, 95% CI=1.22, 9.55; P=0.02) than those with Lauren's intestinal-type gastric cancer. The -634 G/C and +936 C/T gene polymorphisms were not associated with a risk of GC and its progression. This study suggests that the VEGF +1612 G/A gene polymorphisms may be associated with gastric cancer in Chinese Han patients, and that difference in genotype distribution may be associated with the location and Lauren's classification of gastric cancer.

Genetic variation in VEGF family genes and breast cancer risk: a report from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Genetics Study

BACKGROUND

In addition to mediating aspects of physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis, the VEGF family also contributes to carcinogenesis.

METHODS

We comprehensively characterized genetic variation across four VEGF family genes and evaluated associations with breast cancer risk with odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs for participants of the two-stage case-control Shanghai Breast Cancer Genetics Study (SBCGS). Stage 1 evaluated 200 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) across two VEGF ligands (VEGFA and VEGFC) and two VEGF receptors (FLT1/VEGFR1 and KDR/VEGFR2) among 2,079 cases and 2,148 controls. Five SNPs with promising associations were assessed in stage 2 among 4,419 cases and 1,851 controls.

RESULTS

Two SNPs were consistently associated with breast cancer risk across our two study stages and were significant in combined analyses. Compared with FLT1 rs9551471 major allele homozygotes (AA), reduced risks were associated with AG (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84-1.00) and GG (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64-0.95) genotypes (P(trend) = 0.005). Compared with VEGFA rs833070 major allele carriers (CC or CT), increased risk was associated with TT genotypes (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05-1.52, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Results from our study indicate that common genetic variation in VEGFA and FLT1 (VEGFR1) may contribute to breast cancer susceptibility.

IMPACT

Our findings provide clues for future studies on VEGF family genes in relation to cancer susceptibility and survival.

VEGF 936C>T polymorphism and breast cancer risk: evidence from 5,729 cases and 5,868 controls

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent endothelial cell mitogens and plays an important role in angiogenesis. Many published studies have evaluated the association between the VEGF 936C>T polymorphism and breast cancer risk. However, the published findings are inconsistent. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the association, a meta-analysis was performed in this study. A total of eight studies including 5,729 breast cancer cases and 5,868 controls were identified. Overall, no significant associations between the VEGF 936C>T polymorphism and breast cancer risk were found for TT versus CC (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.73-1.19), CT versus CC (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.77-1.09), TT/CT versus CC (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.78-1.08), and TT versus CT/CC (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75-1.21). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, source of controls, and menopausal status, there was still no significant association detected in any of the genetic models. In summary, our results suggest that the VEGF 936C>T polymorphism may not contribute to breast cancer susceptibility.

VEGF 936C > T Polymorphism and Association of BI-RADS Score in Women with Suspected Breast Cancer

Purpose:

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent regulator of angiogenesis and thereby involved in the development and progression of solid tumors. A 936C > T polymorphism in the VEGF gene has been associated with reduced VEGF plasma levels. Purpose of the present study was to analyze the potential association between VEGF genotype and radiological appearance of breast lesions by mammography.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty two women with 54 suspected breast lesions were analyzed by the use of mammography with the standard breast imaging reporting and data systems (BI-RADS). Germline VEGF genotype was determined in all subjects by allele-specific digestion of amplification products. An open biopsy was performed on all lesions.

Results:

VEGF CC, CT and TT genotypes were found in 41 (79%), 9 (17%) and 2 (4%) patients. By mammography 26, 16 and 12 suspected breast lesions were classified as BI-RADS scores 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Both carriers of the TT genotype were classified as BI-RADS 5, whereas among CT or CC carriers, BI-RADS scores 3, 4 and 5 were found in 26, 16 and 10 subjects (P < 0.026).

Conclusion:

The VEGF 936C > T polymorphism seems to be associated with a high BI-RADS score in women with suspicious breast lesions.

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor SNPs as predictive and prognostic markers for major solid tumors

Angiogenesis is crucial for development and metastasis of tumors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator of this process. The importance of VEGF in tumorigenesis and tumor progression makes it an attractive target for the development of anticancer therapies. Inhibition of angiogenesis has shown promising clinical efficacy; however, not all patients treated with antiangiogenic agents derive benefit from them. Some patients are predisposed to refractory disease, whereas others develop resistance after initial response. Patients may also have different severity of drug-related adverse events. Optimization of drug administration based on disease status and individual responsiveness is important in limiting the treatment failure and minimization of side-effects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in VEGF may alter VEGF protein concentrations, influence the process of angiogenesis, and may relate to interindividual variation in the risk and progression of selected tumors, and their resistance to treatments. This review examines the role of SNPs in the VEGF gene as predictive and prognostic markers for major solid tumors, including the breast, non-small cell lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Selected VEGF SNPs seem to be associated with risk of these cancers; however, there is lack of unanimity in findings, in part influenced by differences in study design and analysis.