Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and endometriosis risk: a meta-analysis

Purpose The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphism has been reported to be associated with endometriosis risk. The purpose of the present study was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis to explore whether VEGF gene polymorphisms confer risk to endometriosis. Methods By searching PubMed and EMBASE databases, a total of 11 studies were identified. Crude odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for VEGF gene polymorphisms and endometriosis risk were calculated. Result An association of VEGF gene +936TC polymorphism with endometriosis was found (Fixed-effect model: TT + TC vs. CC: OR 1.184, 95% CI 1.027–1.366, P = 0.020; TC vs. CC: OR 1.187, 95% CI 1.024–1.375, P = 0.023. Random-effcet model: TT + TC vs. CC: OR 1.203, 95% CI 1.003–1.443, P = 0.046; TC vs. CC: OR 1.188, 95% CI 1.021–1.382, P = 0.026). No association between VEGF genes −460CT, +405CG, −2578AC, −1154GA polymorphisms and endometriosis was observed. Conclusion Our results indicate that VEGF +936TC gene polymorphism is a risk factor for endometriosis, and not −460CT, +405CG, −2578AC, −1154GA.