Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms are associated with osteosarcoma susceptibility

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Osteosarcoma is a primary bone malignancy with complex etiology.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis, a process vital for tumor growth and metastasis.
• Previous studies on the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and osteosarcoma risk have yielded inconsistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to clarify the association between specific vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and osteosarcoma risk.
• To systematically evaluate the contribution of VEGF gene variations to osteosarcoma susceptibility, particularly in the Chinese population.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across three major English online databases to identify relevant case-control studies.
• Seven case-control studies, comprising 1,350 osteosarcoma cases and 1,706 controls, were included in the meta-analysis.
• Statistical analysis involved calculating pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for three VEGF polymorphisms: +936C/T, -634 G/C, and +1612 G/A.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between the VEGF +936C/T polymorphism and an increased risk of osteosarcoma in the Chinese population across various genetic models.
• The VEGF -634 G/C polymorphism was significantly associated with a decreased risk of osteosarcoma in the Chinese population under multiple genetic models.
• No significant association was found for the VEGF +1612 G/A polymorphism with osteosarcoma risk.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis suggests that specific vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms, namely +936C/T and -634 G/C, are associated with osteosarcoma susceptibility in the Chinese population.
• The findings highlight the potential role of VEGF genetic variations in the development of osteosarcoma.
• Further research involving diverse ethnicities and larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these associations and explore their clinical implications.