The role of VEGF rs699947 polymorphism in End-Stage Renal Disease: A preliminary study

Abstract

Aim: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is an important public health problem worldwide with an increasing incidence and prevalence. There are many environmental and genetic factors which contribute to the development of ESRD. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested to play an important role in renal pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to determine the probable relation between ESRD and VEGF gene rs699947 polymorphism in Turkish population. Material and Method: Genotyping of rs699947 was carried out in 50 ESRD patients on dialysis treatment and 30 healthy controls, using a Kompetitive Allelic-Specific PCR (KASP) method following DNA isolation. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Results: The prevalance of rs699947 AA genotype was found to be higher in the control group, but it was not statistically significant (p>0.05) . Conclusion: Although statistically insignificant, the frequency of AA genotype was higher in the control group compared to the case group, therefore we concluded that AA genotype may be a protective factor for ESRD in Turkish population. However, this conclusion needs to be further verified by future studies performed in larger study groups.