The VEGF +405 G>C 5' untranslated region polymorphism and risk of PCOS: a study in the South Indian Women

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene (−460C/T and +405G/C) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) risk in south Indian women.

Methods

This study involves clinically confirmed PCOS patients (n = 126) and non-PCOS controls (n = 130) of south Indian origin (Dravidian linguistic group). Genotyping of the VEGF gene −460C/T and +405G/C SNPs were performed by PCR and sequencing analysis. Haplotype frequencies for multiple loci and the standardized disequilibrium coefficient (D'') for pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) were assessed by Haploview Software.

Results

The frequencies of +405G/G genotype (P = 0.03) and +405G alleles (P = 0.006) were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Whereas the genotype and allele frequencies of −460C/T SNP were not significantly different between patients and controls. In addition, LD analysis revealed no significant difference between patients and controls.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the VEGF +405G/C polymorphism may constitute an inheritable risk factor for PCOS in south Indian women.     

Evaluation of phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of successive solvent extracts of leaves of Indigofera caerulea Roxb using various in vitro antioxidant assay systems

ObjectiveTo evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of successive solvent extracts of Indigofera caerulea Roxb using various in vitro antioxidant assay systems.MethodsTotal phenol and antioxidant activity of different solvent extracts of Indigofera caerulea Roxb leaves were investigated. Extraction was done sequentially in soxhlet apparatus using various solvents (Petroleum ether, Ethyl acetate and Methanol). Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay and Total ion reducing power assay. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were also measured.ResultsMethanolic extract had more total phenol content and more antioxidant activities, confirming to the hypothesis that phenol content and antioxidant activity has a direct correlation.ConclusionsAll the results of the in vitro antioxidant assays revealed that the methanolic extract of Indigofera caerulea Roxb leaves had notable antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The results obtained appeared to confirm the antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of Indigofera caerulea Roxb.