Analysis of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors -634C/G and +936C/T Polymorphisms and their Serum Levels in Women Suffering from Preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related syndrome characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, affecting approximately 6-8% of pregnancies and contributing to about 40% of premature births. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the polymorphisms -634C/G and +936C/T in the VEGF gene and their association with serum VEGF levels in pregnant women with PE. Methods: In this case-control study, peripheral blood samples were collected from 135 women with PE and 135 normal pregnant women as the control group. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform method. The VEGF gene polymorphisms were detected using the PCR-RFLP method using specific primers. Additionally, serum VEGF concentrations were measured using the ELISA method. Results: Maternal age, gestational week, maternal hemoglobin, and BMI were significantly correlated with the likelihood of developing PE, whereas the season of occurrence was not found to be a significant factor. No significant difference was observed in the -634C/G and +936C/T polymorphisms of the VEGF gene between the two groups. Moreover, serum VEGF levels in PE patients were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although serum VEGF concentrations were significantly elevated in women with PE, the -634C/G and +936C/T polymorphisms of the VEGF gene do not appear to be associated with the onset of PE. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the risk factors of PE syndrome.