T allele for VEGF gene-460 polymorphism at the 5'-untranslated region: association with a higher susceptibility to endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene 5'-UTR-460 polymorphism could be used as a marker of susceptibility to endometriosis.


METHODS
Women were divided into 2 groups, endometriosis (n = 122) and nonendometriosis (n = 131). Polymorphisms for VEGF were detected by polymerase chain reaction and BstUI (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Massachusetts) restriction enzyme analysis. Genotypes and allelic frequencies between the groups were compared.


RESULTS
Proportions of different VEGF polymorphisms in the groups were significantly different. Proportions of cuttable (C) homozygote/heterozygote/ uncuttable (T) homozygotefor VEGF in the groups were 0/44.3/55.7% and 0/63.4/36.6%, respectively. A higher percentage of T/F homozygote and T allele was present in the endometriosis population. The proportions of C/T alleles in the groups were 22.1/77.9% and 31.7/68.3%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
T/T homozygotes and the T allele of the VEGF-460 gene are associated with a higher risk of endometriosis. Heterozygotes and C allele are related to the lower risk of endometriosis formation. VEGF polymorphism likely contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis and may become a useful markerfor predicting endometriosis susceptibility.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Yao-Yuan
YY
Hsieh
Chi-Chen
CC
Chang
Fuu-Jen
FJ
Tsai
Lian-Shun
LS
Yeh
Cheng-Chieh
CC
Lin
Ching-Tien
CT
Peng
D020121:5' Untranslated Regions; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D017697:Premenopause; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics*
D020121:5' Untranslated Regions; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A