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Association between VEGF polymorphisms and homocysteine levels in patients with ischemic stroke and silent brain

Ok Joon Kim1, Seung Ho Hong, Seung Hun Oh

  • 1Institute for Clinical Research, School of Medicine, CHA University, 351, Yatap-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 463-712, South Korea.

Stroke
|July 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene variations are linked to ischemic stroke risk, especially in those with multiple small-artery occlusions. These VEGF polymorphisms show a weak association with homocysteine levels in the Korean population.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in atherosclerosis-related cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.
  • The genetic influence of specific VEGF polymorphisms on stroke and silent brain infarction susceptibility remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms (-2578C>A, -1154G>A, -634G>C, 936C>T) and the risk of ischemic stroke and silent brain infarction.
  • To explore the relationship between these VEGF polymorphisms and plasma homocysteine levels.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of VEGF polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction-amplified DNA.
  • Analysis of 615 ischemic stroke patients, 376 silent brain infarction patients, and 494 control subjects.
  • Statistical analysis including false discovery rate adjustment and haplotype analysis.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in genotype frequencies for VEGF -2578C>A and 936C>T polymorphisms between stroke and control groups.
  • VEGF polymorphisms were associated with ischemic stroke, particularly in patients with multiple small-artery occlusions.
  • A marginal association was found for VEGF -634G>C polymorphism with silent brain infarction; weak links to plasma homocysteine levels were observed.

Conclusions:

  • VEGF polymorphisms and haplotypes may serve as genetic determinants for ischemic stroke risk, especially in individuals with multiple small-artery occlusions.
  • The association of VEGF polymorphisms with plasma homocysteine levels appears weak in the Korean population studied.
Abstract

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