The Association of Soluble VEGFR-1 Serum Level and Genetic (rs7993418) Polymorphism with In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Outcome in the Population of Northern Iran

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR(S)) play an important role in embryo implantation. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of VEGFR1 circulating level and gene polymorphism with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcome. METHODS: In this case–control study, 120 women who had unsuccessful IVF (IVF(–)) history and 120 women who had successful IVF outcome (IVF(+)) as controls were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The serum levels of soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1) were measured by ELISA. ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The frequency of T and C alleles in IVF(+) individuals were 87.5%, 12.5% and among IVF(−) were 75.5%, 24.5%, respectively (p=0.0006). The minor allele (C) was associated with an increased risk of IVF failure based on results from co-dominant (OR=3.86, 95%CI 1.19–12.47), dominant (OR=2.32, 95%CI 1.31–4.10), recessive (OR=3.22, 95%CI 1.00–10.29), and allele models (OR=2.28, 95%CI 1.40–3.69). We also showed that there is a significant decrease in serum sVEGFR1 levels in IVF as compared to IVF(+) (p=0.006) groups. Moreover, TT genotype is significantly associated with increased serum sVEGFR1 concentration in IVF group (TT, CT, and CC serum levels were 106.55±11.04, 94.33±10.75, and 83.33±9.13 ng/ml, and in IVF(+) group were 156.11±18.08, 120.66±16.51, and 84.66±20.31 ng/ml, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that VEGFR1 polymorphism and sVEGFR1 circulating levels are associated with IVF-ET outcome. Moreover, CC genotype is associated with decreased sVEGFR-1 serum concentration and IVF-ET failure.