Local and genetic determinants of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and other angiogenesis-associated diseases, increased levels of cytokines, inflammatory cells, growth factors, and angiogenic factors are present. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appears to play a central role in mediating microvascular pathology in PDR. The purpose of the present study was to search for the association between the -634 C/G polymorphism of the VEGF gene and PDR. Moreover, it was hoped to determine whether serum and vitreous levels of VEGF are affected by genetic factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled 349 unrelated Slovene subjects (Caucasians) with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The case group consisted of 206 patients with an advanced form of PDR and for whom vitrectomy was

SUBMITTER: Petrovic MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2493030 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature