AbstractThe associations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene
polymorphisms and risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR) –
proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and nonproliferative diabetic
retinopathy (NPDR) – remain unclear. A systematic search and
meta-analysis using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI)
was performed to evaluate the association. Our study concluded 26 studies
containing 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In Asian populations,
rs3025039 polymorphism was associated with DR risk, while in overall populations
and Caucasians, the DR risk was increased by association with rs2010963. There
was a significant association between rs25648 and rs833061 and DR risk in
Caucasians. DR risks were found to be significantly associated between
rs3025021, rs13207351, and rs2146323 in either overall populations, Caucasians
or Asians. Besides, in overall and Asian populations, rs699947 and rs3025039
were associated with PDR risk. rs1570360, rs3025039, and rs833061 played a key
role in PDR etiology in Caucasians. rs2010963 was associated with increased risk
of PDR in overall populations. A significant association between rs699947,
rs3025039, and rs833061 and NPDR risk in overall populations and Asians was
found. A significant association was observed between rs2010963 and increased
NPDR risk in overall and Caucasian populations. This study provides a new
insight into the parthenogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Targeting VEGF SNPs
may be a potential of therapeutic approach for the treatment of DR, PDR, and
NPDR.
Association Between the VEGF Gene Polymorphism and Diabetic Retinopathy Risk: A Meta-Analysis of 4216 Individuals
