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Updated: May 26, 2026
09:04
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Functional VEGF haplotypes affect the susceptibility to hypertension
V C Sandrim1, M R Luizon, T C Izidoro-Toledo
1Núcleo de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Journal of Human Hypertension
|December 23, 2011
Summary
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene variations are linked to hypertension. A specific VEGF haplotype, associated with normal blood pressure, was more prevalent in individuals with higher nitric oxide (NO) levels.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a role in vascular health.
- Genetic variations in VEGF may influence susceptibility to hypertension and nitric oxide (NO) metabolism.
- Understanding these associations can provide insights into hypertension mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and haplotypes with hypertension.
- To examine the relationship between VEGF markers, antihypertensive therapy response, and nitric oxide (NO) formation.
- To explore potential mechanistic links between VEGF, NO, and blood pressure regulation.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of three VEGF polymorphisms (C-2578A, G-1154A, G-634C) and haplotype analysis.
- Comparison of VEGF marker distribution in hypertensive patients versus healthy controls.
- Analysis of VEGF marker distribution in controlled, resistant, and normotensive individuals.
- Measurement of plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels and correlation with VEGF markers.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in individual VEGF genotypes or allele frequencies between normotensive and hypertensive subjects.
- The 'C-A-G' VEGF haplotype was more common in white normotensive subjects and associated with higher NOx levels.
- The 'C-A-C' VEGF haplotype was more frequent in hypertensive subjects (both black and white).
- No significant differences in VEGF marker distribution were observed between responsive and resistant hypertension groups.
- The 'C-A-G' haplotype showed a protective effect against hypertension and was linked to increased NO formation.
Conclusions:
- VEGF haplotypes are associated with hypertension risk.
- The 'C-A-G' haplotype may confer protection against hypertension, potentially mediated by increased NO production.
- These findings suggest a role for VEGF genetic variations and NO pathways in blood pressure regulation.
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