Association of -634G/C and 936C/T polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor with spontaneous preterm delivery.

Background: There is convincing evidence for a central role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in fetal and placental angiogenesis. Our present study was undertaken to examine the possible relationship between two common functional VEGF gene polymorphisms (- 634G/C and 936C/T), linked with altered VEGF gene responsiveness, and spontaneous preterm delivery.

Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood from 54 women with preterm labor and 79 menopausal women with at least two term spontaneous labors. DNA samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results: Individuals with 936T/T or 936C/T genotype demonstrated a statistically significant association with preterm delivery compared with those sharing 936C/C genotype [P = 0.0009, risk factor 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-3.06]. There were no significant associations between spontaneous preterm delivery and - 634 genotypes.

Conclusion: An association was demonstrated between the VEGF 936C/T polymorphism and deliveries before 37 weeks of gestation.