Vascular endothelial growth factor +405 G/C,−460 T/C and −2578 A/C polymorphisms are not associated with insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome

Summary Insulin resistance (IR) and pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction are usual comorbidities in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. This study examined firstly the possible association of common +405 G/C,−460 T/C and −2578 A/C polymorphisms of VEGF gene with fasting glucose, fasting insulin and the indices of IR [glucose/insulin ratio (GIR), homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)] in 137 patients with PCOS. None of the studied polymorphisms were found to affect IR indices significantly. However, there was a trend towards higher HOMA in +405 G and −460 T allele carriers in comparison with homozygotes +405 CC and −460 CC, respectively. With regard to −2578 A/C polymorphism, although not significant, in −2578 C carriers HOMA was lower, and GIR was higher in comparison with −2578 AA genotype. Alteration of QUICKI between genotypes was minimal and varied from 4% to 7%. Because of the relatively small sample size, more studies with greater number of cases are necessary to confirm our observations before any statement can be made about the relationship between VEGF gene polymorphism and IR parameters in PCOS.