title: Homocysteine and MTHFR and VEGF gene polymorphisms: impact on coronary artery disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polymorphisms in genes involved in the atherosclerosis development, angiogenesis, and homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism could be risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of the VEGF C-2578A and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms on CAD, and the association of these polymorphisms with the severity and extension of atherosclerotic lesions and Hcy concentrations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and forty-four subjects were evaluated by coronary angiography and included in the study (145 with CAD and 99 controls). The VEGF C-2578A and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were investigated by the PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP techniques, respectively. Plasma Hcy was quantified by liquid chromatography/sequential mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in allele and genotype distribution between the groups, for both polymorphisms. The univariate analysis showed a higher frequency of the VEGF -2578AA genotype in the group with three-vessel disease (p=0.044). In addition, the VEGF -2578CA genotype was observed more frequently among individuals with <95% stenosis (p=0.010). After adjustment for other risk factors for CAD in a multivariate model, the VEGF C-2578A polymorphism was not found to be an independent correlate of CAD (p=0.688). The MTHFR polymorphism did not show any association with the extension and/or severity of the CAD. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism showed no direct association with hyperhomocysteinemia or increased mean plasma concentrations of Hcy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although there is an apparent association between VEGF C-2578A and the development of coronary atherosclerosis, this association is not independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
authors: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors: Alexandre Rodrigues
authors: AR
authors: Guerzoni
authors: Patrícia Matos
authors: PM
authors: Biselli
authors: Moacir Fernandes de
authors: MF
authors: Godoy
authors: Doroteia Rossi Silva
authors: DR
authors: Souza
authors: Renato
authors: R
authors: Haddad
authors: Marcos Nogueira
authors: MN
authors: Eberlin
authors: Erika Cristina
authors: EC
authors: Pavarino-Bertelli
authors: Eny Maria
authors: EM
authors: Goloni-Bertollo
mesh_terms: D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D006710:Homocysteine; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)