Association between three VEGF polymorphisms and renal cell carcinoma susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Several studies have reported an association between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms rs2010963, rs3025039 and rs699947 and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the results remain inconclusive and controversial. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate this association. Electronic databases were searched for relevant case-control studies up to November 2016. RevMan 5.2 software and STATA version 12.0 were used for statistical analysis in our meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value. Nine eligible studies were retrieved for detailed evaluation. The pooled estimates indicated that the GG genotype of VEGF rs2010963 polymorphism significantly decreased RCC risk [GG vs. GC+CC; GG vs. GC]. There was also a significant association between VEGF rs3025039 polymorphism and RCC susceptibility [CC+CT vs. TT; CC vs. TT]. Furthermore, a significant association between VEGF rs699947 polymorphism and RCC susceptibility was detected [A vs. C; AA+AC vs. CC; AA vs. AC+CC; AA vs. CC; AA vs. AC; AC vs. CC]. Subgroup analysis revealed that these associations held true especially for Asians. Our meta-analysis suggested that there may be a relationship between the VEGF rs2010963, rs3025039 and rs699947 polymorphisms and RCC susceptibility.