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[The apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism in children with steroid-resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome]

H Zeng1, Y Gao, J Xu

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Guangzhou Children's Hospital and the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120 P.R.China. huasongz@yahoo.com

Insights

Children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome exhibit abnormal lipid metabolism and a higher frequency of the apolipoprotein E epsilon 2 allele, indicating increased cardiovascular disease risk. Antilipemic drug consideration is advised.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Genetics
  • Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background:

  • Steroid-resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (SRINS) affects children and is associated with significant health complications.
  • Lipoprotein metabolism abnormalities are suspected in SRINS, but the role of apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and lipid metabolism in children diagnosed with SRINS.
  • To compare apoE genotypes and serum lipoprotein levels between children with SRINS and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 60 children with SRINS and 80 healthy controls.
  • Measurement of seven serum lipoprotein parameters: total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C, apoAI, apoB, and Lp(a).
  • Determination of apoE genotypes using polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP).

Main Results:

  • Children with SRINS displayed significantly higher levels of serum TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoAI, apoB, and Lp(a) compared to controls.
  • The frequency of the apoE epsilon 2 allele was significantly higher in children with SRINS (11.66%) than in controls (5.00%).
  • A notably higher apoE epsilon 2 allele frequency was observed in SRINS cases with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (22.22%) compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Children with SRINS exhibit pronounced and persistent abnormalities in serum lipoprotein metabolism.
  • The increased prevalence of the apoE epsilon 2 allele in SRINS patients suggests a genetic predisposition.
  • These findings highlight increased risks for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases in children with SRINS, warranting consideration of antilipemic therapies.
Abstract

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