Open Access

ARTICLE

Genetic polymorphisms for vascular endothelial growth factor in perinatal complications

Ilona Bányász¹, Géza Bokodi¹, Barna Vásárhelyi², András Treszl¹, László Derzbach¹, András Szabó¹, Tivadar Tulassay^1,2,3, Ádám Vannay³

1 1^st Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Bókay J. u. 53-54., Hungary
2 Research Group for Pediatrics and Nephrology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
3 Szentágothai János Knowledge Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

* Corresponding Author: I. Bányász,

European Cytokine Network 2006, 17(4), 266-270. https://doi.org/10.1684/ecn.2006.0041

Accepted 01 January 2007;

Abstract

Low birth weight (LBW) infants have increased susceptibility to perinatal complications. An immature and impaired vascular system may possibly participate in these complications. There is evidence that supports the notion that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is an essential regulator of embryonic angiogenesis, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of perinatal complications. We aimed to test whether functional genetic polymorphisms of VEGF are associated with the risk of preterm birth or perinatal morbidity. We enrolled 128 LBW infants (≤ 1500 grams). VEGF T-460C, VEGF C-2578A and VEGF G+405C polymorphisms were determined by real-time PCR or PCR-RFLP, respectively. Their genotypes were compared with VEGF genotypes of 200 healthy, term neonates. The prevalence of the VEGF+405 C allele was higher in LBW infants than in healthy, term neonates (OR [95% CI]: 1.29 [1.01-1.65]). Carrier state for the VEGF -2578A allele was an independent risk factor for enterocolitis necrotisans (NEC) (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 2.77 [1.00-7.65]). The carrier state for the VEGF -2578AA genotype was associated with a decreased risk of acute renal failure (ARF) (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.2 [0.05-0.78]). These results suggest that VEGF G+405C polymorphism might be associated with a higher risk of preterm birth and that VEGF C-2578A polymorphism may participate in the development of perinatal complications such as NEC and ARF.

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