Estimation of vascular endothelial growth factor gene −460 C/T polymorphism as a biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients from the Indian subcontinent

Aim Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in India. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major mediator of angiogenesis, is known to play a key role in the pathophysiology of tumorigenesis. Polymorphisms of the VEGF gene have been shown to influence the risk of OSCC, but it remains to be elucidated in the Indian population. Thus, the present study was designed to detect the VEGF gene −460 C/T polymorphism in OSCC patients from the Indian population, which is genetically distinct from previously-studied populations. Methods Peripheral blood samples of 80 OSCC patients and 80 healthy individuals were collected for a case-control study design. The VEGF gene −460 C/T polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis. Results The analysis revealed significant differences between normal individuals and patients with OSCC (P < 0.05). The distribution of the TT homozygote and the T allele in the patient group was significantly greater than in the control group. Conclusion The present study provides novel evidence of the role of the VEGF gene −460 C/T polymorphism as a suitable genetic marker of OSCC in the Indian population.