title: Effect of polymorphisms in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of VEGF gene on gastric pre-malignant condition.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan. tomomiccyu@yahoo.co.jp
authors.forename: Tomomitsu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tahara
authors.forename: Tomiyasu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Arisawa
authors.forename: Tomoyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shibata
authors.forename: Masakatsu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Hiromi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.forename: Daisuke
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yoshioka
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okubo
authors.forename: Naoko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maruyama
authors.forename: Toshiaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kamano
authors.forename: Yoshio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kamiya
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fujita
authors.forename: Mitsuo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nagasaka
authors.forename: Masami
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iwata
authors.forename: Kazuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takahama
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakano
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hirata