Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and vasculitis susceptibility: A meta-analysis

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to vasculitis. Methods: Meta-analyses were conducted on the associations between the -634 C/G, +936 C/T, -1154 A/G, and -2578 A/C polymorphisms of VEGF and vasculitis. Results: Eight studies on VEGF polymorphisms and vasculitis involving 2740 subjects (vasculitis 834, controls 1906) were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed no association between vasculitis and the VEGF -634 C allele (OR. = 1.161, 95% CI. = 0.921-1.464, p= 0.207) among study subjects. Meta-analysis showed no association between vasculitis and the VEGF. +. 936 T allele (OR. = 1.121, 95% CI. = 0.905-1.390, p= 0.295). However, stratification by ethnicity indicated a significant association between the VEGF. +. 936 T allele and vasculitis in Europeans, but not in Asians (OR. = 1.486, 95% CI. = 1.038-2.128, p= 0.030; OR. = 0.958, 95% CI. = 0.773-1.253, p= 0.755). Meta-analysis showed no association between vasculitis and the VEGF -1154 A/G and 2578 A/C polymorphisms. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that the VEGF. +. 936 T allele is associated with susceptibility to vasculitis in Europeans, but not in Asians.