Effect of polymorphisms in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of VEGF gene on gastric pre-malignant condition.
BACKGROUND
A complex interaction of host genetic and environmental factors may be relevant in Helicocobacter pylori-related gastric carcinogenesis. We investigated the effect of VEGF gene polymorphisms on the risk of gastric pre-malignant condition.


METHODS
The G1612A and C936T polymorphisms in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the VEGF gene were genotyped in 337 cancer-free individuals. The presence of intestinal metaplasia in the gastric antrum was assessed in all. Gastritis scores were also assessed according to the updated Sydney system.


RESULTS
The 1612 GA genotype held a significantly higher incidence of intestinal metaplasia in H. pylori-positive individuals more than 65 years of age (OR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.08-15.15, p = 0.038). The degree of intestinal metaplasia was also higher among individuals with 1612 GA in the same generation (GG vs. GA; 0.98 +/- 0.87 vs. 1.55 +/- 0.96, p = 0.026).


CONCLUSIONS
The G1612A but not the C936T polymorphism of the VEGF gene is associated with gastric pre-malignant condition in older individuals.
Tahara
Tomomitsu
T
Department of Gastroenterology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan. tomomiccyu@yahoo.co.jp
Arisawa
Tomiyasu
T
Shibata
Tomoyuki
T
Nakamura
Masakatsu
M
Yamashita
Hiromi
H
Yoshioka
Daisuke
D
Okubo
Masaaki
M
Maruyama
Naoko
N
Kamano
Toshiaki
T
Kamiya
Yoshio
Y
Fujita
Hiroshi
H
Nagasaka
Mitsuo
M
Iwata
Masami
M
Takahama
Kazuya
K
Watanabe
Makoto
M
Nakano
Hiroshi
H
Hirata
Ichiro
I