ABSTRACT
Objective To elucidate the relationship between a 936C/T mutation at 3'-untranslated region of human vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) gene and diabetic peripheral neuropathy ( DPN ). Methods All subjects recruited in this study were assigned into DM (n = 92, diabetes without neuropathy, retinopathy or nephropathy), DPN (n = 102, diabetes with peripheral neuropathy only ), and healthy control (n = 120 ) groups,respectively. The gene polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP, as well as the other clinical parameters including serum VEGF by ELISA. Results The frequencies of both genotype CC and allele C were significantly higher in DPN group than those in either DM group(x2 = 5.578 and 5.614, P＜0. 05 ) or control group (x2 = 9. 406 and 9. 677, P＜0. 05 ). However, the frequencies of genotype(CT+TT) and allele T were significantly lower in DPN group than that in either DM group(x2 =5.578 and 5.614, P＜0. 05) and control group (x2=9.406 and 9.677, P＜0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteincholesterol( LDL-C ), and serum VEGF positively correlated with DPN, while the 936C/T polymorphism of VEGF gene negatively correlated with DPN(β= -1. 046, OR=0. 457, P=0. 006, 95% CI: 0. 166-0. 741 ). Conclusions Allele 936C of VEGF gene may serve as a genetic marker susceptible to DPN, while allele 936T may be a protective genetic marker of DPN.