VEGF gene polymorphism association with diabetic foot ulcer

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Diabetology

Background:

• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms are linked to diabetic complications like neuropathy and retinopathy.
• Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) represents a significant complication of diabetes mellitus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) in type 2 diabetes patients.
• To analyze specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VEGF gene as potential genetic markers for DFU susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• A candidate gene association study was conducted.
• Genotyping of VEGF gene SNPs (-7*C/T and -2578*C/A) was performed using the ARMS-PCR technique.
• The study included type 2 diabetes patients with (N=247) and without (N=241) DFU, and healthy controls (N=98).

Main Results:

• The frequency of the AA genotype was significantly lower in DFU patients compared to diabetic individuals without DFU (p=0.003).
• A significant decrease in the frequency of the A allele was observed in DFU patients when compared to healthy controls (p=0.02).
• The odds ratio (OR) for the AA genotype and A allele suggested a protective effect against DFU.

Conclusions:

• The reduced frequency of the A allele in patients with DFU suggests a protective role against the condition.
• This protective effect may be attributed to enhanced angiogenesis in individuals carrying the A allele.
• VEGF gene polymorphisms could serve as potential biomarkers for DFU risk assessment.