Association Between VEGF Gene Polymorphism and Diabetic Neuropathy Susceptibility

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, characterised by peripheral nerve damage that manifests as sensory loss and pain. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and microvascular function. The association between the rs3025039 polymorphism in the VEGF gene and susceptibility to diabetic neuropathy remains controversial. Therefore, the meta-analysis searched databases for relevant articles published from the database establishment to March 1, 2023. Case-control studies examining VEGF gene polymorphisms in relation to diabetic neuropathy susceptibility, providing genotype/allele frequency data, and involving human subjects were included. Studies with incomplete data, non-human subjects research, or duplicate publications were excluded. RevMan 5.4 and StataMP 17 were used for the meta-analysis, and TSA 0.9.5.10 Beta was used for trial sequential analysis. The pooled analysis of CC vs. CT+TT genotypes, CC vs. CT genotypes, and C vs. T alleles showed an odds ratio >1 and p <0.05 based on the seven identified original studies. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis supported the credibility of the meta-analysis' results. These findings provide statistical evidence supporting the association between the rs3025039 polymorphism and diabetic neuropathy susceptibility, with the C allele conferring a higher risk than the T allele. Key Words: Diabetic neuropathy, Vascular endothelial growth factor, Single-nucleotide polymorphism, Meta-analysis, Trial sequential analysis.