Association of VEGF Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The associations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR) – proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) – remain unclear. A systematic search and meta-analysis using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was performed to evaluate the association. Our study concluded 26 studies containing 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In Asian populations, rs3025039 polymorphism was associated with DR risk, while in overall populations and Caucasians, the DR risk was increased by association with rs2010963. There was a significant association between rs25648 and rs833061 and DR risk in Caucasians. DR risks were found to be significantly associated between rs3025021, rs13207351, and rs2146323 in either overall populations, Caucasians or Asians. Besides, in overall and Asian populations, rs699947 and rs3025039 were associated with PDR risk. rs1570360, rs3025039, and rs833061 played a key role in PDR etiology in Caucasians. rs2010963 was associated with increased risk of PDR in overall populations. A significant association between rs699947, rs3025039, and rs833061 and NPDR risk in overall populations and Asians was found. A significant association was observed between rs2010963 and increased NPDR risk in overall and Caucasian populations. This study provides a new insight into the parthenogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Targeting VEGF SNPs may be a potential of therapeutic approach for the treatment of DR, PDR, and NPDR.

Key words

VEGF - gene polymorphism - diabetic retinopathy - meta-analysis - type 2 diabetes

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disorder characterized by chronic elevation of blood glucose levels due to peripheral insulin resistance with deleterious effects on both micro- and macrocirculation [1] [2]. In 2011, the worldwide prevalence of T2DM was 366 million people, and is projected to rise to 552 million by 2030 [3] [4]. More importantly, T2DM can incur high rates of complications, morbidity, and mortality, thereby generating great socioeconomic burdens to both developing and developed countries [4].

Among the complications of T2DM, diabetic retinopathy (DR), including both proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), has been recognized as a major burden on the health system. In addition, DR is a leading cause of blindness in developed countries [4] [5] [6]. Due to the high incidence of DR and its deleterious effects on patients’ vision, special attention has been paid to explore the associated risk factors of this complication. The etiology and pathogenesis of both PDR and NPDR remain unclear as they involve multiple factors [6] [7] [8] [9] [10].

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a multifunctional cytokine that promotes angiogenesis and vascular permeability [1]. Under physiological conditions, VEGF is expressed at low levels in the eye [11]; under pathological circumstances, the expression of VEGF is upregulated, and VEGF overexpression promotes vessel endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and sprouting, thereby subserving a contributing factor for DR [11]. Moreover, VEGF is also considered a primary initiator of PDR and a potential mediator of NPDR [2]. Hence VEGF gene and its polymorphic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) play crucial roles in DR, characterized by impaired vascular permeability and neovascularization [12]. However, the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to DR, PDR, and NPDR has not been completely established [1] [5] [7] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33]. Porojan et al. [12] demonstrated that VEGF 936C/T polymorphism was a genetic risk factor for NPDR. Yuan et al. [11] found that among Chinese Han individuals with T2DM, polymorphism –634G/C of VEGF gene was not correlated with NPDR or PDR, which was consistent with the results shown by Nakamura et al. [15] and discrepant with those published by Yang et al. [7].

To determine whether VEGF SNPs are associated with the risk of DR, several meta-analyses have been performed, though the results varied. For example, the study by Xie et al. [34] showed that the SNPs rs3025039 and rs833061 were most likely associated with an increased risk of DR. On the other hand, no significant association was found between VEGF 2578C/A polymorphism (rs699947) and DR risk, which was consistent with the results of Gong et al. [35]. By contrast, the results from Wang et al. [36] supported the association between VEGF 2578C/A polymorphism and the incidence of DR in Asian population, but not in Caucasian population. In addition, Zhao and colleagues. [37] confirmed the association between VEGF 634G/C polymorphism and the initiation of DR in the patents with T2DM. However, these findings were inconsistent with those published by Xie et al. [34]. The previous meta-analyses only analyzed the association between rs3025039, rs833061, rs2010963, and rs699947 with DR susceptibility. Whereas other VEGF gene polymorphisms, such as rs10434, rs1570360, rs25648, rs2146323, rs3025021, and rs13207351, are well known, yet their roles in the etiology and development of DR remain largely unknown. Although an increasing number of VEGF gene polymorphisms have been found associated with susceptibility to DR, PDR or NPDR [13] [23] [24] [28], no meta-analysis has been conducted to explore the associations between these novel VEGF gene polymorphisms and the risk of DR. The aim of the current meta-analysis is to explore the associations between the ten VEGF gene polymorphisms and the risks of DR, PDR, and NPDR.

Materials and Methods

Literature search

A systematic online search was conducted using 'PubMed', 'EMBASE', and 'the Cochrane Library' to identify the case-control studies regarding the relationship between VEGF gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to DR, PDR or NPDR. The following search terms were used to identify the eligible VEGF gene polymorphisms: (‘diabetic retinopathy’ OR ‘DR’ OR ‘proliferative diabetic retinopathy’ OR ‘PDR’ OR ‘nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy’ OR ‘NPDR’) AND (‘VEGF’ OR ‘vascular endothelial growth factor’) AND (‘polymorphism’ OR ‘single nucleotide polymorphism’ OR ‘SNP’ OR ‘variation’). We found that VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947), VEGF 1612G/A (rs10434), VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/rs2010963), VEGF 1154G/A (rs1570360), VEGF 936C/T (rs3025039), VEGF 1498C/T (rs833061), VEGF 7C/T (rs25648), VEGF 5092(6112)A/C (rs2146323), VEGF 9162(10180)C/T (rs3025021), VEGF 1190G/A (rs13207351) were analyzed in previous case-control studies and included into the meta-analysis. No language restrictions were applied. Unpublished literature search was conducted by looking into the reference lists from the selected studies, reviews, and conference reports.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The inclusion criteria of our meta-analysis were as follows: (1) case-control studies; (2) evaluation of DR, PDR or NPDR risk including the analysis from at least one identified VEGF gene polymorphisms; (3) detailed genotype frequency or numbers of alleles and genotypes between cases and controls. The exclusion criteria were: (1) reviews and case reports; (2) no available data; (3) duplicate reports.

Data extraction

Data from the eligible studies were extracted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two authors (Yang Q and Zhang Y) with further consensus reached. The following data were collected from each study: author list, year of publication, ethnicity, sample size of cases (DR, PDR and NPDR) and controls, VEGF gene polymorphisms, and HWE (Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium).

Data synthesis and statistical analysis

We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing DR, PDR, and NPDR. An allele contrast model, heterozygote model, homozygote model, dominant, and recessive model were calculated to assess the associations between each VEGF gene polymorphism and the risk of DR, PDR and NPDR, respectively. Subgroup analysis was performed according to ethnicity and subtypes of DR. The heterogeneity of included studies was examined by a chi-squared-based Q statistical test and quantified by I² metric value. If I² value is >50% or p <0.10, the ORs were pooled by random effect model, otherwise, the fixed effect model was used. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the impact of each study on the present meta-analysis. In addition, the subgroup analysis was performed according to the ethnicity of the study populations. Stata 14.0 software (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) was used and a p <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

Characteristics of included studies

A total of 26 studies [1] [5] [7] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] containing 10 VEGF SNPs were finally collected and analyzed. The process of study selection and the inclusion process are shown in [Fig. 1]. Ten SNPs of VEGF gene were analyzed, including VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947), VEGF 1612G/A (rs10434), VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/rs2010963), VEGF 1154G/A (rs1570360), VEGF 936C/T (rs3025039), VEGF 1498C/T (rs833061), VEGF 7C/T (rs25648), VEGF 5092(6112)A/C (rs2146323), VEGF 9162(10180)C/T (rs3025021), and VEGF 1190G/A (rs13207351). All these studies [1] [5] [7] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] had complied with HWE (Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium). The general characteristics of the collected studies are summarized in [Table 1].

Fig. 1 Flow chart showing the process of selection.

Table 1 Characteristics of individual studies included in the meta-analysis.

Author [Ref]	Year	Ethnicity	Cases (n)			Controls (n)	VEGF Polymorphisms	HWE
			DR	PDR	NPDR
Gonzalez-Salinas et al. [1]	2017	Caucasian	NR	71	NR	71	rs3025021, rs3025035, rs2010963 (rs201096)	0.73
Abdel Fattah et al. [13]	2016	Caucasian	46	NR	NR	82	rs699947, rs10434	0.30
Choudhuri et al. [24]	2015	Caucasian	175	105	70	197	rs2010963 (rs201096), rs3025039, rs1570360	0.70
Porojan et al. [12]	2015	Caucasian	NR	NR	200	208	rs3025039	0.53
Shahin et al. [14]	2015	Caucasian	74	44	30	74	rs699947	0.05
Yuan et al. [11]	2014	Asian	232	108	124	278	rs833061, rs201096 (rs2010963)	0.30
Paine et al. [25]	2012	Caucasian	NR	253	NR	240	rs833061	0.81
Bleda et al. [33]	2012	Caucasian	14	NR	NR	26	rs699947	0.24
Feghhi et al. [5]	2011	Asian	NR	119	NR	279	rs2010963 (rs201096)	0.90
Yang et al. [30]	2011	Asian	129	NR	NR	139	rs699947, rs833061, rs13207351, rs2010963 (rs201096), rs2146323, rs3025021	0.20
Yang et al. [7]	2010	Asian	176	66	110	96	201096 (rs2010963)	0.59
Chun et al. [26]	2010	Asian	253	145	108	394	rs699947, rs1570360, rs2010963 (rs201096)	0.15
Nakamura et al. [15]	2009	Asian	NR	177	NR	292	rs201096 (rs2010963), rs699947	0.76
Kangas-Kontio et al. [31]	2009	Caucasian	131	NR	NR	634	rs699947, rs3025039 rs2010963 (rs201096) rs2146232, rs3025033,	0.14
Kim et al. [27]	2009	Asian	121	37	84	238	rs3025039	0.09
Abhary et al. [28]	2009	Caucasian	290	132	158	235	rs699947, rs2146323, rs3025021, rs10434	0.94
Petrovic et al. [16]	2008	Caucasian	NR	206	NR	143	rs201096 (rs2010963)	0.59
Szaflik et al. [17]	2008	Caucasian	154	82	72	61	rs201096 (rs2010963), rs833061	0.21
Churchill et al. [29]	2008	Caucasian	NR	45	NR	61	rs1570360, rs2146323, rs13207351	0.06
Uthra et al. [32]	2008	Caucasian	120	41	79	79	rs201096 (rs2010963), rs3025039	0.69
Errera et al. [18]	2007	Caucasian	NR	167	NR	334	rs201096 (rs2010963)	0.75
Buraczynska et al. [19]	2007	Caucasian	195	NR	NR	493	rs2010963 (rs201096)	0.77
Suganthalakshmi et al. [20]	2006	Caucasian	120	NR	NR	90	rs833061, rs13207351,rs201096 (rs2010963), rs25648	0.40
Awata et al. [21]	2005	Asian	175	82	93	203	rs699947, rs1570360, rs201096 (rs2010963)	0.99
Ray et al. [22]	2004	Caucasian	267	69	198	23	rs833061	0.83
Awata et al. [23]	2002	Asian	150	70	80	118	rs1570360, rs201096 (rs2010963), rs25648, rs3025039	0.40

NR: Not reported.

Table 2 Results of associations between VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947), VEGF 1612G/A (rs10434), and VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/ rs2010963) and risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy.

Genetic Models	Test of association			Model	Test of heterogeneity
	OR	95% CI	p-Value		I2 (%)	p-Value
VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947)
Overall populations
A vs. C	1.12	0.93–1.34	0.231	R	50.2	0.041
AA vs. CC	1.06	0.81–1.39	0.669	F	39.6	0.103
AC vs. CC	1.27	0.94–1.71	0.118	R	57.1	0.017
AA/AC vs. CC	1.25	0.94–1.65	0.130	R	57.0	0.017
AA vs. AC/CC	0.95	0.75–1.20	0.667	F	35.1	0.137
Caucasians
A vs. C	1.04	0.88–1.22	0.658	F	0.0	0.815
AA vs. CC	0.99	0.70–1.40	0.085	F	0.0	0.550
AC vs. CC	1.27	0.97–1.68	0.153	F	26.6	0.235
AA/AC vs. CC	1.21	0.93–1.57	0.157	F	15.6	0.314
AA vs. AC/CC	0.90	0.68–1.18	0.449	F	0.0	0.539
Asians
A vs. C	1.18	0.75–1.87	0.469	R	84.0	0.002
AA vs. CC	1.29	0.46–3.61	0.628	R	77.9	0.011
AC vs. CC	1.20	0.67–2.15	0.549	R	83.1	0.003
AA/AC vs. CC	1.22	0.69–2.17	0.498	R	83.9	0.002
AA vs. AC/CC	1.20	0.46–3.09	0.712	R	75.2	0.018
VEGF 1612G/A (rs10434)
Overall populations
A vs. G	0.85	0.69–1.04	0.118	F	39.8	0.173
AA vs. GG	0.71	0.35–1.45	0.345	R	52.9	0.095
AG vs. GG	1.07	0.78–1.46	0.692	F	0.0	0.946
AA/AG vs. GG	0.94	0.70–1.27	0.699	F	0.0	0.689
AA vs. AG/GG	0.70	0.35–1.39	0.307	R	59.2	0.062
Caucasians
A vs. G	0.87	0.60–1.24	0.433	R	55.7	0.104
AA vs. GG	0.71	0.29–1.75	0.455	R	68.0	0.044
AG vs. GG	1.06	0.74–1.53	0.755	F	0.0	0.831
AA/AG vs. GG	0.91	0.65–1.29	0.600	F	0.0	0.516
AA vs. AG/GG	0.69	0.29–1.63	0.398	R	72.4	0.027
Asians
A vs. G	1.00	0.60–1.66	0.988	F	–	–
AA vs. GG	0.79	0.19–3.26	0.748	R	–	–
AG vs. GG	1.08	0.59–2.00	0.803	F	–	–
AA/AG vs. GG	1.04	0.58–1.85	0.902	F	–	–
AA vs. AG/GG	0.78	0.19–3.19	0.730	R	–	–
VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/rs2010963)
Overall populations
C vs. G	1.16	1.00–1.35	0.049	R	56.3	0.011
CC vs. GG	1.39	1.12–1.73	0.003	F	48.1	0.037
GC vs. GG	1.18	1.02–1.37	0.025	F	4.60	0.400
CC/GC vs. GG	1.22	1.06–1.40	0.004	F	34.7	0.121
CC vs. GC/GG	1.22	0.89–1.66	0.214	R	57.9	0.008
Caucasians
C vs. G	1.19	1.04–1.37	0.013	F	47.5	0.090
CC vs. GG	1.67	1.18–2.37	0.004	F	0.00	0.432
GC vs. GG	1.20	0.98–1.48	0.080	F	0.00	0.441
CC/GC vs. GG	1.27	1.04–1.54	0.017	F	8.70	0.360
CC vs. GC/GG	1.33	0.77–2.27	0.307	R	66.4	0.011
Asians
C vs. G	1.13	0.89–1.44	0.321	R	69.0	0.012
CC vs. GG	1.28	0.75–2.16	0.362	R	68.9	0.012
GC vs. GG	1.16	0.94–1.43	0.156	F	29.0	0.228
CC/GC vs. GG	1.21	0.88–1.66	0.236	R	58.3	0.048
CC vs. GC/GG	1.14	0.78–1.67	0.510	R	53.5	0.072

Meta-analysis

VEGF gene polymorphisms and DR susceptibility

Our meta-analysis showed that VEGF 5092(6112)A/C (rs2146323), VEGF 9162(10180)C/T (rs3025021) and VEGF 1190G/A (rs13207351) were significantly associated with DR risk in either overall (rs2146323: CC vs. CA/AA: OR=0.78, 95% CI=0.62–0.9, p=0.027; rs3025021: TT vs. CC: OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.26–0.80, p=0.006; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.27–0.80, p=0.005; rs13207351: A vs. G: OR=1.52, 95% CI=1.17–1.97, p=0.001; AA vs. GG: OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.25–3.61, p=0.005; AA vs. AG/GG: OR=2.57, 95% CI=1.59–4.17, p <0.001), Caucasians (rs2146323: CA vs. AA: OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.17–2.58, p=0.006; CC/CA vs. AA: OR=1.52, 95% CI=1.05–2.22, p=0.027; rs3025021: TT vs. CC: OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.24–0.84, p=0.011; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=0.43, 95% CI=0.24–0.77, p=0.005; rs13207351: A vs. G: OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.06–2.12, p=0.021; AA vs. AG/GG: OR=2.28, 95% CI=1.03–5.02, p=0.041), or Asians (rs2146323: C vs. A: OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.42–0.94, p=0.022; rs3025021: T vs. C: OR=0.22, 95% CI=0.11–0.44, p <0.001; TC vs. CC: OR=0.07, 95% CI=0.02–0.23, p <0.001; TT/TC vs. CC: OR=0.14, 95% CI=0.06–0.32, p <0.001; rs13207351: A vs. G: OR=1.54, 95% CI=1.04–2.27, p=0.029; AA vs. GG: OR=4.07, 95% CI=1.43–11.62, p=0.009; AA vs. AG/GG: OR=3.95, 95% CI=1.41–11.04, p=0.009). Full data are shown in [Tables 3] and [4].

Table 3 Results of associations between VEGF 1154G/A (rs1570360), VEGF 936C/T (rs3025039), VEGF 7C/T (rs25648), and VEGF 5092 A/C (rs2146323) and risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy.

Genetic Models	Test of association			Model	Test of heterogeneity
	OR	95% CI	p-Value		I2 (%)	p-Value
VEGF 1154G/A (rs1570360)
Overall populations
A vs. G	1.08	0.90–1.31	0.393	F	0.0	0.523
AA vs. GG	1.12	0.64–1.97	0.699	F	0.0	0.460
AG vs. GG	1.11	0.89–1.38	0.375	F	0.0	0.528
AA/AG vs. GG	1.10	0.89–1.37	0.366	F	0.0	0.521
AA vs. AG/GG	1.06	0.61–1.86	0.838	F	0.0	0.475
Caucasians
A vs. G	1.32	0.93–1.89	0.122	F	–	–
AA vs. GG	1.59	0.60–4.16	0.348	F	–	–
AG vs. GG	1.36	0.87–2.12	0.176	F	–	–
AA/AG vs. GG	1.39	0.91–2.12	0.130	F	–	–
AA vs. AG/GG	1.43	0.55–3.71	0.460	F	–	–
Asians
A vs. G	1.01	0.81–1.25	0.960	F	0.0	0.750
AA vs. GG	0.93	0.46–1.88	0.834	F	0.0	0.412
AG vs. GG	1.03	0.80–1.38	0.810	F	0.0	0.573
AA/AG vs. GG	1.02	0.80–1.31	0.872	F	0.0	0.684
AA vs. AG/GG	0.90	0.45–1.82	0.772	F	0.0	0.393
VEGF 936C/T (rs3025039)
Overall populations
T vs. C	1.67	0.96–2.91	0.071	R	88.5	<0.001
TT vs. CC	3.26	1.07–9.88	0.037	R	61.0	0.053
TC vs. CC	1.74	0.89–3.42	0.108	R	88.7	<0.001
TT/TC vs. CC	1.82	0.91–3.64	0.088	R	89.8	<0.001
TT vs. TC/CC	2.42	1.44–4.07	0.001	F	45.1	0.141
Caucasians
T vs. C	1.24	0.59–2.64	0.569	R	89.1	<0.001
TT vs. CC	1.97	0.38–10.08	0.418	R	80.6	0.023
TC vs. CC	1.31	0.57–3.01	0.519	R	87.0	<0.001
TT/TC vs. CC	1.33	0.54–3.27	0.530	R	89.6	<0.001
TT vs. TC/CC	1.60	0.48–5.35	0.446	R	66.1	0.086
Asians
T vs. C	2.55	1.10–5.93	0.029	R	87.2	0.005
TT vs. CC	6.73	1.74–26.06	0.006	F	12.8	0.284
TC vs. CC	2.65	0.75–9.32	0.129	R	91.8	<0.001
TT/TC vs. CC	2.89	0.89–9.37	0.077	R	91.1	0.001
TT vs. TC/CC	5.67	1.47–21.90	0.012	F	0.0	0.417
VEGF 7C/T (rs25648)
Overall populations
T vs. C	1.48	0.42–5.19	0.536	R	89.0	0.003
TT vs. CC	0.42	0.11–1.58	0.200	F	0.0	0.861
TC vs. CC	1.86	0.41–8.39	0.418	R	90.0	0.002
TT/TC vs. CC	1.71	0.40–7.40	0.471	R	90.1	0.001
TT vs. TC/CC	0.41	0.11–1.53	0.185	F	0.0	0.729
Caucasians
T vs. C	2.89	1.43–5.83	0.003	R	–	–
TT vs. CC	0.33	0.01–8.10	0.494	F	–	–
TC vs. CC	4.12	1.87–9.07	<0.001	R	–	–
TT/TC vs. CC	3.71	1.73–7.94	0.001	R	–	–
TT vs. TC/CC	0.25	0.01–6.15	0.394	F	–	–
Asians
T vs. C	0.81	0.52–1.27	0.352	R	–	–
TT vs. CC	0.45	0.10–1.92	0.278	F	–	–
TC vs. CC	0.89	0.52–1.52	0.674	R	–	–
TT/TC vs. CC	0.84	0.50–1.40	0.496	R	–	–
TT vs. TC/CC	0.46	0.11–1.97	0.296	F	–	–
VEGF 5092(6112)A/C (rs2146323)
Overall populations
C vs. A	0.92	0.70–1.21	0.545	R	59.2	0.044
CC vs. AA	0.97	0.51–1.84	0.928	R	56.9	0.054
CA vs. AA	1.42	0.76–2.64	0.276	R	55.4	0.062
CC/CA vs. AA	1.17	0.63–2.18	0.617	R	58.7	0.046
CC vs. CA/AA	0.78	0.62–0.97	0.027	F	23.1	0.267
Caucasians
C vs. A	1.01	0.84–1.21	0.946	F	44.3	0.146
CC vs. AA	1.30	0.87–1.95	0.197	F	40.3	0.170
CA vs. AA	1.74	1.17–2.58	0.006	F	45.6	0.137
CC/CA vs. AA	1.52	1.05–2.22	0.027	F	39.8	0.173
CC vs. CA/AA	0.82	0.64–1.06	0.131	F	29.1	0.237
Asians
C vs. A	0.63	0.42–0.94	0.022	R	–	–
CC vs. AA	0.41	0.16–1.01	0.054	R	–	–
CA vs. AA	0.58	0.22–1.52	0.270	R	–	–
CC/CA vs. AA	0.46	0.19–1.13	0.092	R	–	–
CC vs. CA/AA	0.62	0.38–1.02	0.060	F	–	–

Table 4 Results of associations between VEGF 9162C/T (rs3025021), VEGF 1190G/A (rs13207351), and VEGF 1498 C/T (rs833061) and risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy.

Genetic Models	Test of association			Model	Test of heterogeneity
	OR	95% CI	p-Value		I2 (%)	p-Value
VEGF 9162(10180)C/T (rs3025021)
Overall populations
T vs. C	0.67	0.39–1.15	0.145	R	80.8	0.001
TT vs. CC	0.46	0.26–0.80	0.006	F	0.0	0.531
TC vs. CC	0.69	0.28–1.69	0.412	R	86.4	<0.001
TT/TC vs. CC	0.67	0.30–1.47	0.316	R	85.5	<0.001
TT vs. TC/CC	0.47	0.27–0.80	0.005	F	1.7	0.384
Caucasians
T vs. C	0.87	0.69–1.10	0.240	F	0.0	0.454
TT vs. CC	0.45	0.24–0.84	0.011	F	8.6	0.335
TC vs. CC	1.19	0.86–1.64	0.288	F	0.0	0.719
TT/TC vs. CC	1.02	0.75–1.39	0.902	F	0.0	0.626
TT vs. TC/CC	0.43	0.24–0.77	0.005	F	23.8	0.269
Asians
T vs. C	0.22	0.11–0.44	<0.001	R	–	–
TT vs. CC	0.51	0.14–1.80	0.294	F	–	–
TC vs. CC	0.07	0.02–0.23	<0.001	R	–	–
TT/TC vs. CC	0.14	0.06–0.32	<0.001	R	–	–
TT vs. TC/CC	0.71	0.20–2.49	0.591	F	–	–
VEGF 1190G/A (rs13207351)
Overall populations
A vs. G	1.52	1.17–1.97	0.001	F	0.0	0.662
AA vs. GG	2.12	1.25–3.61	0.005	F	7.8	0.338
AG vs. GG	0.87	0.48–1.58	0.642	R	51.2	0.129
AA/AG vs. GG	1.26	0.89–1.77	0.192	F	0.0	0.744
AA vs. AG/GG	2.57	1.59–4.17	<0.001	F	31.6	0.232
Caucasians
A vs. G	1.50	1.06–2.12	0.021	F	0.0	0.366
AA vs. GG	1.63	0.87–3.05	0.128	F	0.0	0.934
AG vs. GG	0.64	0.17–2.33	0.495	R	72.7	0.056
AA/AG vs. GG	1.17	0.72–1.90	0.518	F	0.0	0.509
AA vs. AG/GG	2.28	1.03–5.02	0.041	R	50.9	0.154
Asians
A vs. G	1.54	1.04–2.27	0.029	F	–	–
AA vs. GG	4.07	1.43–11.62	0.009	F	–	–
AG vs. GG	1.08	0.64–1.81	0.771	R	–	–
AA/AG vs. GG	1.35	0.83–2.19	0.230	F	–	–
AA vs. AG/GG	3.95	1.41–11.04	0.009	F	–	–
VEGF 1498 C/T (rs833061)
Overall populations
T vs. C	0.86	0.17–4.23	0.853	R	98.6	<0.001
TT vs. CC	0.64	0.22–1.87	0.419	R	72.5	0.006
TC vs. CC	0.90	0.61–1.32	0.587	F	46.0	0.116
TT/TC vs. CC	0.80	0.38–1.66	0.548	R	65.4	0.021
TT vs. TC/CC	0.68	0.31–1.52	0.347	R	87.7	<0.001
Caucasians
T vs. C	0.41	0.18–0.90	0.026	R	86.5	0.001
TT vs. CC	0.57	0.24–1.36	0.206	F	6.3	0.344
TC vs. CC	0.90	0.54–1.53	0.707	F	0.0	0.851
TT/TC vs. CC	0.85	0.51–1.42	0.538	F	0.0	0.579
TT vs. TC/CC	0.47	0.15–1.46	0.191	R	75.9	0.016
Asians
T vs. C	2.55	0.18–36.74	0.491	R	99.2	<0.001
TT vs. CC	0.77	0.09–6.44	0.809	R	91.2	0.001
TC vs. CC	0.70	0.12–3.93	0.685	R	85.9	0.008
TT/TC vs. CC	0.74	0.10–5.39	0.770	R	90.2	0.001
TT vs. TC/CC	1.07	0.54–2.12	0.849	R	80.8	0.023

Although no significant association was found between VEGF 7C/T (rs25648) and VEGF 1498 C/T (rs833061) and the risk of having DR in overall and Asian populations (both p>0.05) ([Tables 2], [3], and [4]), rs25648 might increase the risk of DR in Caucasians (T vs. C: OR=2.89, 95% CI=1.43–5.83, p=0.003; TC vs. CC: OR=4.12, 95% CI=1.87–9.07, p<0.001; TT/TC vs. CC: OR=3.71, 95% CI=1.73–7.94, p=0.001), and rs833061 might decrease the DR risk in Caucasians (T vs. C: OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.18–0.90, p=0.026).

VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/rs2010963) was significantly associated with increased risk of DR in overall (C vs. G: OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.00–1.35, p=0.049; CC vs. GG: OR=1.39, 95% CI=1.12–1.73, p=0.003; GC vs. GG: OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.02–1.37, p=0.025; CC/GC vs. GG: OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.06–1.40, p=0.004) and Caucasian populations (C vs. G: OR=1.19, 95% CI=1.04–1.37, p=0.013; CC vs. GG: OR=1.67, 95% CI=1.18–2.37, p=0.004; CC/GC vs. GG: OR=1.27, 95% CI=1.04–1.54, p=0.017), while no significant association was detected between these SNPs and DR risk in Asians (p >0.05).

In addition, rs3025039 was associated with increased risk of DR in both overall (TT vs. CC: OR=3.26, 95% CI=1.07–9.88, p=0.037; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=2.42, 95% CI=1.44–4.07, p=0.001) and Asian populations (T vs. C: OR=2.55, 95% CI=1.10–5.93, p=0.029; TT vs. CC: OR=6.73, 95% CI=1.74–26.06, p=0.006; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=5.67, 95% CI=1.47–21.90, p=0.012), while it might not play an important role in Caucasians.

Our analyses showed no significant association between VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947), VEGF 1612G/A (rs10434), and VEGF 1154G/A (rs1570360) and susceptibility to DR in overall, Caucasian, and Asian populations (both p >0.05) ([Tables 2], [3], and [4]).

VEGF Gene Polymorphisms and PDR Risk

The rs1570360 SNP significantly increased the risk of PDR in overall (rs1570360: AG vs. GG: OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.07–1.88, p=0.014; AA/AG vs. GG: OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.01–2.70, p=0.045) and Caucasian populations (rs1570360: AG vs. GG: OR=1.79, 95% CI=1.12–2.85, p=0.014); there was no significant association between this SNP and PDR risk in Asian populations (both p >0.05, [Table 5]).

Table 5 Results of associations between VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947), VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/rs2010963), VEGF 1154G/A (rs1570360), VEGF 936C/T (rs3025039), and VEGF 1498C/T (rs833061) and risk of type 2 proliferative diabetic retinopathy and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Genetic Models	Proliferative diabetic retinopathy						Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
	Test of association			Model	Test of heterogeneity		Test of association			Model	Test of heterogeneity
	OR	95% CI	p-Value		I2 (%)	p-Value	OR	95% CI	p-Value		I2 (%)	p-Value
VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947)
Overall populations
A vs. C	1.34	1.10–1.64	0.003	F	0.0	0.899	1.42	1.05–1.91	0.021	F	15.3	0.277
AA vs. CC	1.33	0.81–2.20	0.264	F	38.6	0.196	1.43	0.66–3.10	0.371	F	12.1	0.286
AC vs. CC	1.61	1.23–2.10	<0.001	F	26.7	0.256	1.77	1.18–2.65	0.005	F	0.0	0.679
AA/AC vs. CC	1.57	1.22–2.03	<0.001	F	0.0	0.600	1.73	1.17–2.54	0.006	F	0.0	0.560
AA vs. AC/CC	0.93	0.34–2.52	0.882	R	59.5	0.085	1.12	0.52–2.37	0.775	F	13.7	0.282
Caucasians
A vs. C	1.19	0.68–2.07	0.537	F	–	–	1.04	0.55–1.97	0.900	F	–	–
AA vs. CC	0.27	0.01–5.42	0.393	F	–	–	0.32	0.02–6.51	0.461	F	–	–
AC vs. CC	2.00	0.89–4.52	0.096	F	–	–	1.50	0.61–3.67	0.374	F	–	–
AA/AC vs. CC	1.82	0.81–4.09	0.148	F	–	–	1.36	0.56–3.32	0.494	F	–	–
AA vs. AC/CC	0.18	0.01–3.35	0.248	R	–	–	0.26	0.01–4.92	0.367	F	–	–
Asians
A vs. C	1.37	1.11–1.69	0.004	F	0.0	0.966	1.55	1.11–2.17	0.010	F	–	–
AA vs. CC	1.36	0.61–3.03	0.451	R	51.4	0.152	1.72	0.76–3.89	0.196	F	–	–
AC vs. CC	1.57	1.01–2.43	0.044	R	58.8	0.119	1.85	1.18–2.91	0.007	F	–	–
AA/AC vs. CC	1.55	1.18–2.03	0.001	F	0.0	0.346	1.83	1.18–2.91	0.006	F	–	–
AA vs. AC/CC	1.12	0.42–2.98	0.827	R	68.8	0.074	1.34	0.61–2.97	0.468	F	–	–
VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/rs2010963)
Overall populations
C vs. G	1.16	0.99–1.36	0.072	R	64.9	0.001	1.23	1.04–1.45	0.017	F	47.0	0.277
CC vs. GG	1.37	0.98–1.92	0.064	R	62.3	0.001	1.44	0.99–2.10	0.056	F	47.2	0.092
GC vs. GG	1.06	0.92–1.22	0.400	F	42.6	0.052	1.24	0.96–1.60	0.099	F	37.4	0.157
CC/GC vs. GG	1.14	0.91–1.41	0.251	R	58.6	0.004	1.27	1.00–1.62	0.053	F	47.7	0.089
CC vs. GC/GG	1.26	1.06–1.50	0.008	F	44.4	0.042	1.42	1.03–1.98	0.034	F	36.2	0.166
Caucasians
C vs. G	1.20	0.95–1.51	0.133	R	71.9	0.001	1.36	1.03–1.80	0.029	F	0.00	0.587
CC vs. GG	1.46	0.88–2.43	0.144	R	69.5	0.002	1.82	0.88–3.76	0.104	F	00.0	0.376
GC vs. GG	1.09	0.91–1.30	0.335	F	45.1	0.078	1.28	0.85–1.93	0.240	F	0.00	0.966
CC/GC vs. GG	1.17	0.86–1.58	0.311	R	64.4	0.006	1.33	0.90–1.97	0.156	F	0.00	0.978
CC vs. GC/GG	1.43	0.99–2.08	0.059	R	53.5	0.035	2.15	1.17–3.93	0.013	F	45.0	0.162
Asians
C vs. G	1.10	0.89–1.36	0.395	R	51.1	0.085	1.20	0.79–1.81	0.391	R	73.4	0.023
CC vs. GG	1.25	0.81–1.94	0.315	R	51.0	0.086	1.50	0.62–3.59	0.366	R	71.3	0.031
GC vs. GG	1.02	0.81–1.28	0.894	F	49.1	0.097	1.31	0.67–2.56	0.432	R	74.5	0.020
CC/GC vs. GG	1.08	0.78–1.51	0.635	R	54.2	0.068	1.35	0.67–2.72	0.402	R	78.7	0.009
CC vs. GC/GG	1.14	0.88–1.48	0.309	F	26.3	0.246	1.19	0.80–1.77	0.389	F	7.9	0.338
VEGF 1154G/A (rs1570360)
Overall populations
A vs. G	1.75	1.00–3.07	0.051	R	83.1	0.001	0.97	0.74–1.28	0.828	F	0.00	0.757
AA vs. GG	3.12	0.72–13.42	0.127	R	78.9	0.003	1.09	0.50–2.40	0.824	F	0.00	0.986
AG vs. GG	1.42	1.07–1.88	0.014	F	0.0	0.420	0.93	0.67–3.23	0.668	F	0.00	0.679
AA/AG vs. GG	1.65	1.01–2.70	0.045	R	62.7	0.045	0.95	0.69–1.30	0.732	F	0.00	0.700
AA vs. AG/GG	2.42	0.69–8.52	0.167	R	76.8	0.005	1.10	0.50–2.40	0.815	F	0.00	0.976
Caucasians
A vs. G	2.65	0.86–8.18	0.091	R	89.8	0.002	1.05	0.64–1.72	0.844	F	–	–
AA vs. GG	5.68	0.68–47.52	0.109	R	84.4	0.011	1.08	0.27–4.23	0.916	F	–	–
AG vs. GG	1.79	1.12–2.85	0.014	F	5.9	0.303	1.06	0.58–1.93	0.856	F	–	–
AA/AG vs. GG	2.99	0.77–11.69	0.115	R	79.5	0.027	1.06	0.60–1.88	0.844	F	–	–
AA vs. AG/GG	3.73	0.82–16.92	0.088	R	78.8	0.030	1.06	0.27–4.10	0.935	F	–	–
Asians
A vs. G	1.16	0.86–1.56	0.330	F	0.0	0.653	0.94	0.67–1.31	0.695	F	0.00	0.520
AA vs. GG	1.48	0.21–10.23	0.693	R	59.4	0.116	1.10	0.42–2.89	0.843	F	0.00	0.868
AG vs. GG	1.24	0.87–1.77	0.232	F	0.0	0.541	0.88	0.59–1.31	0.530	F	0.00	0.467
AA/AG vs. GG	1.22	0.87–1.72	0.251	F	0.0	0.889	0.90	0.62–1.32	0.591	F	0.00	0.478
AA vs. AG/GG	1.42	0.19–10.74	0.733	R	62.8	0.101	1.12	0.43–2.90	0.819	F	0.00	0.8
VEGF 936C/T (rs3025039)
Overall populations
T vs. C	2.38	1.34–4.24	0.003	R	77.5	0.004	1.82	1.13–2.92	0.013	R	78.9	0.001
TT vs. CC	7.26	3.65–14.44	<0.001	F	36.7	0.206	3.49	1.85–6.59	<0.001	F	5.4	0.348
TC vs. CC	2.22	1.06–4.64	0.035	R	77.7	0.004	1.94	1.04–3.62	0.036	R	82.0	<0.001
TT/TC vs. CC	2.53	1.19–5.38	0.016	R	80.3	0.002	2.03	1.12–3.68	0.020	R	81.6	<0.001
TT vs. TC/CC	4.82	2.51–9.25	<0.001	F	32.5	0.227	2.65	1.43–4.89	0.002	F	34.8	0.216
Caucasians
T vs. C	1.84	0.62–5.42	0.269	R	81.8	0.019	1.49	0.73–3.03	0.270	R	83.3	0.003
TT vs. CC	6.32	2.84–14.06	<0.001	F	–	–	3.12	1.09–8.94	0.034	R	52.7	0.146
TC vs. CC	1.87	0.60–5.82	0.281	R	78.8	0.030	1.52	0.66–3.48	0.323	R	81.6	0.004
TT/TC vs. CC	2.02	0.55–7.42	0.288	R	84.3	0.012	1.58	0.69–3.66	0.281	R	83.4	0.002
TT vs. TC/CC	3.85	1.81–8.20	<0.001	F	–	–	2.29	0.67–7.88	0.187	R	66.8	0.082
Asians
T vs. C	2.92	1.00–8.52	0.050	R	87.0	0.006	2.33	1.03–5.28	0.043	R	82.7	0.016
TT vs. CC	18.28	1.15–289.72	0.039	R	63.1	0.100	3.47	0.61–19.64	0.160	F	-	-
TC vs. CC	2.62	0.60–11.50	0.201	R	88.6	0.003	2.75	0.87–8.67	0.085	R	87.4	0.005
TT/TC vs. CC	3.11	0.75–12.94	0.119	R	88.7	0.003	2.85	0.97–8.34	0.056	R	86.2	0.007
TT vs. TC/CC	9.21	2.32–36.65	0.002	F	44.9	0.178	3.05	0.55–17.08	0.204	F	-	-
VEGF 1498C/T (rs833061)
Overall populations
T vs. C	0.74	0.49–1.11	0.141	R	71.3	0.015	1.31	0.84–2.05	0.235	R	59.1	0.087
TT vs. CC	0.57	0.24–1.36	0.209	R	54.7	0.085	2.14	1.07–4.26	0.031	F	45.9	0.157
TC vs. CC	0.80	0.53–1.22	0.302	F	21.0	0.284	1.26	0.76–2.10	0.367	F	13.7	0.314
TT/TC vs. CC	0.59	0.21–1.67	0.318	R	83.1	<0.001	1.42	0.65–3.08	0.377	R	52.5	0.122
TT vs. TC/CC	0.80	0.61–1.05	0.102	F	36.7	0.192	1.67	1.12–2.48	0.011	F	0.0	0.513
Caucasians
T vs. C	0.63	0.50–0.81	<0.001	F	34.8	0.216	1.02	0.69–1.52	0.911	F	0.00	0.960
TT vs. CC	0.34	0.17–0.69	0.003	F	0.0	0.729	0.99	0.36–2.70	0.981	F	0.00	0.879
TC vs. CC	0.70	0.42–1.14	0.151	F	26.9	0.255	0.99	0.54–1.79	0.965	F	0.00	0.683
TT/TC vs. CC	0.58	0.13–2.70	0.489	R	88.7	<0.001	1.00	0.56–1.79	0.995	F	0.00	0.792
TT vs. TC/CC	0.63	0.45–0.90	0.010	F	0.0	0.840	1.10	0.48–2.54	0.821	F	0.00	0.724
Asians
T vs. C	1.16	0.81–1.66	0.419	R	–	–	1.90	1.30–2.77	0.001	R	–	–
TT vs. CC	1.34	0.60–2.98	0.480	R	–	–	4.10	1.40–12.06	0.010	F	–	–
TC vs. CC	1.20	0.52–2.77	0.676	F	–	–	2.54	0.83–7.76	0.101	F	–	–
TT/TC vs. CC	0.58	0.26–1.31	0.192	R	–	–	3.49	1.20–10.16	0.022	R	–	–
TT vs. TC/CC	1.16	0.74–1.82	0.516	F	–	–	1.88	1.20–2.94	0.006	F	–	–

The rs3025039 SNP was significantly associated with increased risk of PDR in overall (T vs. C: OR=2.38, 95% CI=1.34–4.24, p=0.003; TT vs. CC: OR=7.26, 95% CI=3.65–14.44, p <0.001; TC vs. CC: OR=2.22, 95% CI=1.06–4.64, p=0.035; TT/TC vs. CC: OR=2.53, 95% CI=1.19–5.38, p=0.016; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=4.82, 95% CI=2.51–9.25, p<0.001), Caucasian (TT vs. CC: OR=6.32, 95% CI=2.84–14.06, p <0.001; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=3.85, 95% CI=1.81–8.20, p <0.001), and Asian populations (T vs. C: OR=2.92, 95% CI=1.00–8.52, p=0.050; TT vs. CC: OR=18.28, 95% CI=1.15–289.72, p=0.039; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=9.21, 95% CI=2.32–36.65, p=0.002).

The rs699947 SNP was significantly associated with increased risk of PDR in either overall (A vs. C: OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.10–1.64, p=0.003; AC vs. CC: OR=1.61, 95% CI=1.23–2.10, p <0.001; AA/AC vs. CC: OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.22–2.03, p <0.001) or Asian populations (A vs. C: OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.11–1.69, p=0.004; AC vs. CC: OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.01–2.43, p=0.044; AA/AC vs. CC: OR=1.55, 95% CI=1.18–2.03, p=0.001), while no significant association was found in Caucasians (all p >0.05) ([Table 5]).

Significant association was found between rs833061 and decreased risk of PDR in Caucasians only (T vs. C: OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.50–0.81, p <0.001; TT vs. CC: OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.17–0.69, p=0.003; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.45–0.90, p=0.010) ([Table 5]).

Interestingly, rs201096 (rs2010963) was a risk contributor to PDR in overall populations (CC vs. GC/GG: OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.06–1.50, p=0.008), while no significant association was detected between rs201096 (rs2010963) and PDR risk in Asians and Caucasians, as indicated in [Table 5].

VEGF Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of NPDR

The rs699947 and rs833061 SNPs were significantly associated with increased susceptibility to NPDR in overall (rs699947: A vs. C: OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.05–1.91, p=0.021; AC vs. CC: OR=1.77, 95% CI=1.18–2.65, p=0.005; AA/AC vs. CC: OR=1.73, 95% CI=1.17–2.54, p=0.006; rs833061: TT vs. CC: OR=2.14, 95% CI=1.07–4.26, p=0.031; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=1.67, 95% CI=1.12–2.48, p=0.011) and Asian populations (rs699947: A vs. C: OR=1.55, 95% CI=1.11–2.17, p=0.010; AC vs. CC: OR=1.85, 95% CI=1.18–2.91, p=0.007; AA/AC vs. CC: OR=1.83, 95% CI=1.18–2.91, p=0.006; rs833061: T vs. C: OR=1.90, 95% CI=1.30–2.77, p=0.001; TT vs. CC: OR=4.10, 95% CI=1.40–12.06, p=0.010; TT/TC vs. CC: OR=3.49, 95% CI=1.20–10.16, p=0.022; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=1.88, 95% CI=1.20–2.94, p=0.006), while no significant association was found in Caucasians (all p >0.05) ([Table 5]).

The rs3025039 SNP contributed significantly to the increased risk of NPDR in overall (T vs. C: OR=1.82, 95% CI=1.13–2.92, p=0.013; TT vs. CC: OR=3.49, 95% CI=1.85–6.59, p <0.001; TC vs. CC: OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.04–3.62, p=0.036; TT/TC vs. CC: OR=2.03, 95% CI=1.12–3.68, p=0.020; TT vs. TC/CC: OR=2.65, 95% CI=1.43–4.89, p=0.002), Caucasian (TT vs. CC: OR=3.12, 95% CI=1.09–8.94, p=0.034), and Asian populations (T vs. C: OR=2.33, 95% CI=1.03–5.28, p=0.043).

The rs201096 (rs2010963) SNP was significantly associated with an increased risk of NPDR in overall (C vs. G: OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.04–1.45, p=0.017; CC vs. GC/GG: OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.03–1.98, p=0.034) and Caucasian populations (C vs. G: OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.03–1.80, p=0.029; CC vs. GC/GG: OR=2.15, 95% CI=1.17–3.93, p=0.013), while no significant association was found in Asians (all p >0.05, [Table 5]).

No significant association was found between rs1570360 and susceptibility to NPDR in overall, Asian, and Caucasian populations (both p >0.05) ([Table 5]).

Sensitivity analysis and publication bias

A leave-one-out analysis was performed to estimate the sensitivity of the current meta-analysis. Any single study could be omitted, without any effect on the overall statistical significance, indicating that the results are stable. Funnel plot shape is symmetrical, therefore no publication bias in this study is shown ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 2 Publication bias.

Discussion

Abnormally increased VEGF concentrations were detected in patients with DR, which is characterized by neuronal and vascular dysfunction in retina at early stages with subsequent neovascularization and visual damage [38] [39]. Likewise, VEGF overexpression in retina was found in the animal models of diabetes [38]. Furthermore, VEGF injection into the vitreous of non-human primates induces lesions characteristic of DR [40]. These findings pointed out that VEGF is a major contributor to DR, which could also be considered as a potential target for DR treatment.

Anti-VEGF injections have been an effective therapy to improve both vision and Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale score in DR patients [38] [41]. It is considered as the standard treatment of diabetic macular edema [38]. Despite the improved visual outcomes of patients with DR treated with anti-VEGF agents, the unresponsiveness to the anti-VEGFs has been reported previously. Genetic polymorphisms appear to be another variable to analyze when the anti-VEGF therapy is ineffective [42]. In addition, VEGF protein expression has been shown to be influenced by genetic variations at VEGF gene locus, and the increased transcript levels of VEGF in the vitreous fluid promoted the development and progression of DR [36]. Therefore, studies indicate that the VEGF gene polymorphisms play a major role in DR etiology and pathophysiology [1] [5] [7] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33], yet these results were controversial.

VEGF Gene Polymorphisms and DR Risk

VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/rs2010963) promoter polymorphism is associated with an increased transcriptional and translational activities of VEGF gene, which may be responsible for the development of DR [21] [23]. This study indicates that VEGF 634(405)G/C (rs201096/rs2010963) is significantly associated with the increased susceptibility of DR in two populations, overall and Caucasian. These results are consistent with those published by Qiu [43]. On the contrary, numerous significant differences were observed among Qiu’s results [43]. The meta-analysis[43] was conducted to determine the association between VEGF 634G/C and DR risk. They included the studies of Petrovic et al. [16] and Nakamura et al. [15], however, these two studies sought to find the association between the 634 C/G polymorphism of VEGF gene and PDR. Therefore, it is not suitable to include these two studies, as they may have overestimated the SNP’s impact on the DR risk. By contrast, a previous study conducted by Zhao et al. [37] did not support the association of VEGF 634 C/G polymorphism with either DR or PDR. The discrepancy is originated from two points: one study was included in the current meta-analysis [7], but was not in Zhao’s [37]; moreover, the data in Zhao’s study were analyzed inaccurately [15] [16] [31]. However, the meta-analyses conducted by us and others all indicate that no significant association was found between the SNP rs201096/rs2010963 and DR risk in Asians. Ethnicity and genetic background might play a predominant role. Many factors could determine the differences in the findings about Asian and Caucasian populations, such as sample size, study design, retinopathy grading scales, and genotyping techniques. Since sunlight exposure is a known risk factor of age-related macular degeneration, the increased exposure to sunlight in Caucasian areas could be another reason for DR [36].

VEGF 5092(6112)A/C (rs2146323) protects against DR in overall and Asian populations. However, significant association was observed between rs2146323 and an increased risk of DR in Caucasians. Also, different genetic backgrounds, sample size, measurement bias, and other environmental factors might contribute. A mixture from different variables on each study have a great impact on the pooled distribution of each genotype, which might be an important element over the final outcomes in all populations. In the same way, its role in the pathogenesis of DR would need to be further explored.

Regarding VEGF 936C/T (rs3025039) and VEGF 1190G/A (rs13207351), the analysis indicates a significant association between these polymorphisms and increased risk of DR in overall and Asian populations. The rs13207351 SNP associates with DR risk in Caucasians. The results of this study are consistent with previous ones [23] [24] [27], which suggest that 936 C/T polymorphism is not only an critical factor determining plasma VEGF levels, but also correlates with DR. In contrast, the results of another two publications did not support the above association [31] [32]. This may be ascribed to different genotyping techniques, study design, and patient selection. Although we did not determine the mechanism through which rs3025039 leads to the increased risk of DR [27], our results suggest that VEGF 936 site is a potential regulatory site for VEGF transcription, thereby contributing to VEGF production and an increased risk for DR.

VEGF 9162C/T (rs3025021) exhibits as a protective contributor to DR susceptibility in all three populations. Yang et al. [30] determined a statistically significant association between the intronic SNP rs3025021 mutant alleles and DR in Asian populations, suggesting that rs3025021’s intron region could be either enhancers or silencers to VEGF gene expression [30]. On the contrary, Gonzalez-Salinas et al. [1] did not find any association between rs3025021 and DR risk in Mexican population, suggesting that distinct populations have different associations even for the same genetic polymorphism. However, further analysis should be conducted to clarify that how rs3025021 affects both VEGF function and expression.

Although no significant association was detected between VEGF 7C/T (rs25648) and VEGF 1498 C/T (rs833061) and DR risk in overall and Asian populations, an increase DR risk was found to associate with rs25648 locus in Caucasians., and a decrease risk of DR is associated with rs833061 in the same population. In addition, there were not significant associations between VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947), VEGF 1612G/A (rs10434), and VEGF 1154G/A (rs1570360) and susceptibility to DR. Different sample size, subject selection, genetic backgrounds of DR patients and healthy volunteers might contribute to different associations in Asian and Caucasian populations. The role of these polymorphisms in different ethnicities must be taken into consideration when studying DR etiology and pathogenesis.

VEGF Gene Polymorphisms and PDR, NPDR Risk

VEGF 2578C/A (rs699947) had a statistically significant association with an increased risk of PDR and NPDR in overall and Asian populations, while no association was found in Caucasian population. Our analysis showed no significant association between rs699947 and susceptibility to DR in either Asian or Caucasian population. The combination of different original data on each study might have great impact on the pooled distribution of each genotype, being an important contributor to the different results of DR, PDR and NPDR on each population. It has been previously published that the VEGF 2578C/A regulates VEGF expression at the transcriptional level. Further, the regulation might play a different role at each DR stage, to which more attention should be paid.

The rs201096/rs2010963 statistically increases PDR and NPDR risks in overall populations. The rs1570360 was also significantly associated with an increased risk of PDR in overall and Caucasian populations. However, no associations were observed between rs201096/rs2010963 and PDR or NPDR in Asians or between rs1570360 and NPDR in all populations. These findings suggest VEGF gene polymorphisms play a fundamental role in the risk of PDR and NPDR in different ethnicities. VEGF 634G/C promoter polymorphism is associated with high VEGF transcription and translation activity, which may be responsible for the development of PDR [23]. In addition, the combination of different original data in each study might have great impact on the pooled distribution of each genotype, and may therefore be an important contributor to the overall results of overall populations and Asians and Caucasians.

PDR, a progressive form of DR, is characterized by neovascularization, formation of fibrovascular membrane, tractional retina detachment, and even blindness. The early stage of DR, also called non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), is characterized by increased vascular permeability, microaneurysms, and capillary loss. Controversial association was found between rs833061 and the risk of developing PDR and NPDR. The rs833061 was associated with a decreased risk of PDR in Caucasians, while it had an increased risk of NPDR development in overall and Asian populations. These results suggest a potential pathogenic role of rs833061 in both PDR and NPDR.

The rs3025039 was a risk predictor for PDR and NPDR in overall, Asian, and Caucasian populations. The same results were also found in patients with DR. Due to the numerous new genetic biomarkers that have been identified recently, a novel therapeutic strategy by gene transfer is being developed and tested for patients with DR [42]. Application of pharmacogenetics principles appears to be a promising strategy to attenuate diabetes-mediated retinal vasculopathy [42]. Based on our findings, VEGF 936C/T (rs3025039) might be a potential gene locus for gene therapy to DR, PDR and NPDR.

Limitations

Despite the comprehensive analysis of the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and DR risk, our meta-analysis still has limitations. First, the DR etiology is complex and multifactorial. The relationships between VEGF gene polymorphisms and other risk factors were not analyzed in our study, such as environment factors, diet, exercise etc. Second, other VEGF gene polymorphisms, such as rs699947, rs2146323, and rs3025035 were not analyzed in our study due to insufficient data. In addition, the sample size in certain studies employed in this meta-analysis was small, which may lead to inconsistent results and affect conclusions. Therefore, larger-scale and better-designed studies are necessary to determine the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and DR, PDR and NPDR susceptibility.

In summary, this is the first meta-analysis to determine the association between ten VEGF gene polymorphisms with DR, PDR, and NPDR susceptibility. Different VEGF gene polymorphisms play different roles in the occurrence of DR, PDR, and NPDR caused by Type II diabetes. The analyzed VEGF SNPs may be useful genetic markers for DR, PDR, and NPDR screening in different ethnicities. For example, rs699947 could be a gene locus to screen PDR among Asians. In addition, full genetic marker screening allows for early identification of the groups people at risk, then implementing preventive care and early intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression and reduce complications, disability and mortality rates in patients with diabetes, after which the decrease in overall economic burden generated by T2DM may follow. Our VEGF SNPs meta-analysis not only provides deeper understanding of DR pathogenesis, but also implies novel targets for gene therapy to DR.

Author Contributions

Yang Q and Li X designed the study, wrote the manuscript, and approved the final version. Yang Q and Zhang Y collected and analyzed data. Wang X and Zhang X wrote the manuscript. Yang Q, Zhang Y, and Li X wrote the protocol and also participated in title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction; Yang Q and Zhang Y searched databases, participated in title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction; Li X proposed the search terms, managed the work, and reviewed data extraction. Liu J and Li X critically reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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