Association between the vascular endothelial growth factor single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy risk: A meta-analysis

Background: The aim of the present study was to reveal the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: A literature review was conducted (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) to identify papers about VEGF SNPs and DR published up to 23 September 2015. The VEGF gene SNPs analyzed with regard to DR susceptibility were rs2010963 (G > C), rs833061 (T > C), rs699947 (C > A), rs3025039 (C > T) and rs1570360 (G > A). Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and meta-analyses were performed using fixed or random effects models. Results: Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Significant associations between the rs3025039 (C > T) polymorphism and increased DR risk were found in the allele model (T/C; pooled OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.07-2.41, P = 0.02), homozygote model (TT/CC; pooled OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.29-3.35, P = 0.003), heterozygote model (TC/CC; pooled OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.04-2.72, P = 0.04), dominant model (TT+TC/CC; pooled OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.06-2.80, P = 0.03), and recessive model (TT/TC+CC; pooled OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.12-2.90, P = 0.02). For rs833061, a significant association between VEGF SNPs and DR was found only in the allele model (C/T; pooled OR 6.34, 95% CI 2.10-19.14, P = 0.001). Conclusions: The rs3025039 and rs833061 SNPs are most likely associated with an increased risk of DR. The T allele in rs3025039 and the C allele in rs833061 are associated with increased DR susceptibility.