Interaction between a genetic variant in vascular endothelial growth factor with dietary intakes in association with the main factors of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

IntroductionVascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is involved in several biological processes, including angiogenesis and VEGF high levels results in higher risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to examine the interaction of the rs10738760 (A > G), a genetic polymorphism of VEGF, and dietary intake in subjects with MetS recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, International-Diabetes-Federation criteria (IDF) were applied to determine the presence of MetS. The polymerase chain reaction-amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR) was used for genotyping. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for determining dietary macro/micronutrient intake. ResultsSubjects with the AA genotype for the VEGF polymorphism, and a high consumption of sugar, starch, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and saturated fatty acid (SFA) showed a significantly higher risk of MetS. There was a significant association between AA genotype with sugar (OR:1.02, 95% CI:1.01–1.03) and starch intake (OR:1.01, 95% CI:1.00–1.01) and risk of MetS (p < 0.05). Similarly, subjects with an AA genotype and a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake were at higher risk of MetS than those who were homozygous for the G allele. ConclusionsIndividuals with an AA genotype, and a high intake of MUFA, SFA, sugar and starch, had a high risk of developing MetS. Therefore, this genetic polymorphism might determine disease susceptibility when combined with a high consumption of fat and carbohydrate. A further study is necessary to confirm this association as a potential marker in predicting CVD events.