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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
09:04
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
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VEGF-related polymorphisms identified by GWAS and risk for major depression
T Xie1, M G Stathopoulou1, F de Andrés2
1UMR INSERM U1122, Interactions Gène-Environnement en Physiopathologie Cardio-Vasculair, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
Translational Psychiatry
|March 8, 2017
Summary
Genetic variations in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may influence depression risk. Specifically, the VEGF SNP rs4416670 was linked to an increased likelihood of developing depression.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a widespread and disabling mental health condition.
- Neurotrophic/growth factors, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), are implicated in depression's development.
- Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified potential VEGF-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between four specific VEGF-related SNPs and depression.
- To explore direct effects and epistatic interactions of these SNPs on depression risk.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 437 individuals diagnosed with depression and 477 healthy controls.
- Four VEGF-related SNPs (rs10738760, rs6921438, rs6993770, and rs4416670) were analyzed.
- The influence of gender, age, and body mass index was also assessed.
Main Results:
- The SNP rs4416670 showed a significant association with an increased risk of depression (Odds Ratio: 1.60, P-value: 0.010).
- This finding suggests a direct relationship between specific genetic variations in VEGF and depression.
- No other significant associations or interactions were detailed in the abstract.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors related to VEGF are associated with depression.
- This study highlights potential molecular mechanisms involving VEGF in depression.
- The findings may contribute to personalized risk prediction for depression.
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