VEGF-A gene promoter polymorphisms and microvascular complications in patients with essential hypertension

Abstract Objectives We investigated the possible involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF-A ) gene promoter polymorphisms in essential hypertension (EH). Design and methods 1225 bp of the VEGF-A gene promoter were screened for polymorphisms using PCR amplification and direct DNA sequence analysis in 62 EH and 62 normotensive (HS) individuals. Circulating VEGF-A levels were determined by immunoassay. Results − 152G/A ( p  = 0.009) and − 116G/A ( p  = 0.016) polymorphisms were correlated to hypertension ( p p  = 0.005). Multivariate analyses showed that − 116 A allele was an independent predictor of microalbuminuria ( p  = 0.014) and increased platelet VEGF-A load ( p  = 0.009) in EH. Platelet VEGF-A load independently predicted MC ( p  = 0.049) in addition to − 116G/A polymorphism ( p  = 0.035). Conclusions Abnormal regulation of VEGF-A due to polymorphism at position − 116 might represent a genetic factor for increased VEGF-A production and MC in EH.