VEGF Polymorphisms Among Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degenerative Subjects in a Multiethnic Population

Abstract

Aim:

To determine the association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Materials and Methods:

One hundred thirty-five nAMD patients and 135 controls were recruited to determine the association of the −460 C/T, the −2549 I/D, and the +405 G/C polymorphisms with the VEGF gene. Genotyping was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach, and association analyses were conducted using chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis.

Results:

A significant association was observed between nAMD and the VEGF +405 G/C genotypes (p = 0.002) and alleles (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-1.62, p = < 0.001) compared with the controls. This association was confirmed by logistic regression analyses, using two different genetic models (additive and dominant) resulting in p-values of p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively. In addition, under the dominant model the CC genotype was associated with increased risk of nAMD among subjects that were >60 years of age, female, of Chinese ethnicity, hypertensive, diabetic and smokers.

Conclusion:

With the exception of several limitations, the present study showed evidence of an association between the VEGF +405 G/C polymorphism and nAMD in Malaysian subjects.