Abstract: ObjectiveTo determine the distribution of the single neucleutide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in Chinese Han population. Methods252 healthy Chinese Han subjects were studied with PCR technique. The results were compared with the data on European Caucasians reported. ResultsThe frequencies of VEGF gene allele C and A were respectively 71.8% and 28.2%. The genotypes of CC, CA and AA were 48.8%, 46.0% and 5.2%, respectively. The frequencies of VEGF promoter 2578A/A polymorphism in Chinese Han population were significantly different from those in European Caucasian population(P<0.01). Conclusion2578A/A homozygote which results to low VEGF expression of Chinese Han subjects is remarkably less than that of European Caucasians.

Key words: vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), single neucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs), Chinese Han population