University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Common sequence variation in the VEGFA gene predicts risk of diabetic retinopathy

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 00:21 authored by Abhary, S, Kathryn BurdonKathryn Burdon, Gupta, A, Lake, S, Selva, D, Petrovsky, N, Craig, JE
Purpose. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a role in angiogenesis and microvascular permeability. This study was conducted to determine whether common sequence variation in the VEGFA gene plays a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Method. Five hundred fifty-four subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) including 190 type 1 DM (T1DM) and 364 type 2 DM (T2DM) were recruited. The study group consisted of 235 participants without DR, 158 with nonproliferative DR (NPDR), 132 with proliferative DR (PDR), and 93 with clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Blinding DR was defined as severe NPDR, PDR, or CSME. Fifteen VEGFA tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in all subjects and tested for association with blinding DR. Results. Multiple tag SNPs in the VEGFA gene were associated with blinding DR. After controlling for sex, HbA1c, and duration of disease, in T1DM, the AA genotype of rs699946 (P = 0.007, odds ratio [OR], 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-11.4) and the GG genotype of rs833068 (P = 0.017, OR, 31; 95% CI, 1.3-7.2) were most significantly associated. In T2DM, the C allele of rs3025021 (P = 0.002; OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.5-10.0) and the G allele of rs10434 (P = 0.002; OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.3) were most significantly associated with blinding DR. Haplotype analyses suggested an important role for the haplotype TCCGCG in blinding DR (P = 0.0004). Conclusions. Sequence variation in the VEGFA gene is associated with risk of developing blinding DR in T1DM and T2DM. Identifying specific genetic markers will allow for refined screening algorithms and earlier intervention in patients at highest risk.

History

Publication title

Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Iovs)

Volume

50

Issue

12

Pagination

5552-5558

ISSN

0146-0404

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

Assoc Research Vision Ophthalmology Inc

Place of publication

12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, USA, Md, 20852-1606

Rights statement

Copyright 2009 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Clinical health not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Categories

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC