Association between vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and PCOS risk: A meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the impact of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +405G>C (rs2010963), -460C>T (rs833061) and -2578A>C (rs699947) polymorphisms on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) susceptibility. Methods The Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Wan fang databases were searched according to the guidance of the PRISMA flowchart. STATA software (Version 12.0) was used to perform the statistical analysis. Results 7 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis involving 1127 patients with PCOS and 1168 control individuals. The pooled analysis revealed no significant association between PCOS risk and the +405G>C (rs2010963), -460C>T (rs833061) or -2578A>C (rs699947) polymorphisms in women. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that Asian women carrying the VEGF +405C allele had a lower risk of PCOS (C vs G: OR=0.731, 95% CI=0.544-0.982, p Conclusions For all women regardless of ethnicity, no significant associations between VEGF SNPs and PCOS were observed; however, +405G>C (rs2010963) may protect Asian women from PCOS.