Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) gene polymorphisms may serve as genetic marker for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Purpose: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common cardiovascular disease resulting from interaction of multiple environmental and genetic factors. This study aimed to confirm whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGFA gene were associated with CHD in the Han Chinese population. Materials: and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 501 CHD patients and 496 healthy individuals. Genotyping of five SNPs within VEGFA was performed using Agena MassARRAY platform. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to evaluate the association between SNPs and CHD risk. Results: : The genotype “C/T” of rs3025021 in VEGFA was found to be associated with CHD susceptibility (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02- 1.80, p = 0.038) in the overall. Rs833068 was observed to be associated with the reduced risk of CHD at age > 61 years and ≤ 61 years, respectively. And three loci (rs833068, rs3025021 and rs6905288) were related to the CHD risk in males. In addition, rs3025021 was associated with increased risk of CHD in patients with hypertension or diabetes. Conversely, three loci (rs833068, rs3025030 and rs6905288) were related to the CHD risk in patients without hypertension. The rs833068 was associated with reduced risk of CHD in patients without diabetes. Finally, we found a strong LD between rs833068 and rs833070. Conclusion: Gene polymorphisms in VEGFA were notably correlated with altered CHD risk in the Han Chinese population. Large sample size and well - designed studies are needed to further clarify the potential mechanisms underlying the CHD.