The association of VEGF-A associated gene polymorphisms with obesity and markers of metabolic syndrome in a black South African population

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the association between VEGF-A (rs10434, rs3025040) gene polymorphisms and polymorphisms associated with VEGF-A levels (POLR1C: rs4416670, rs6921438, ZFPM2: rs6993770, rs10738760) with hypertension, adiposity (BMI and waist circumference), diabetes and metabolic syndrome in the black South African population. RESULTS: No polymorphisms were associated with VEGF-A levels or metabolic syndrome in our study. The rs6921438 AA genotype was associated with increased BMI (OR: 5.18, 95% CI [1.42; 18.8], p = 0.013) and waist circumference (OR: 3.26, 95% CI [1.21; 8.75], p = 0.019) compared to participants with the rs6921438 G allele. The rs10434 AG genotype was associated with increased BMI (OR: 1.95, 95% CI [1.00; 3.78], p = 0.049), waist circumference (OR: 2.36, 95% CI [1.21; 4.63], p = 0.012) and a lower risk of diabetes (OR: 0.40, 95% CI [0.17; 0.94], p = 0.036) compared to participants with the two homozygous genotypes. Participants with the rs6993770 AT genotype were less likely to have hypertension (OR: 0.46, 95% CI [0.24; 0.91], p = 0.025) compared to participants with the two homozygous genotypes.