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Tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphism in reflux nephropathy
Valeria Solari1, Sean Ennis, Salvatore Cascio
1Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children and University College, Dublin, Ireland.
The Journal of Urology
|September 17, 2004
Summary
This study found a link between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene variations and reflux nephropathy. The TNF-alpha AA genotype may increase susceptibility to this kidney condition.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunogenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interstitial scarring is a key factor in the progression of renal failure in reflux nephropathy.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a proinflammatory cytokine, is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
- Understanding genetic predispositions like TNF-alpha gene polymorphism is crucial for reflux nephropathy research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene polymorphism in patients diagnosed with reflux nephropathy.
- To explore the association between specific TNF-alpha gene variants and the development of reflux nephropathy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized technetium dimercapto-succinic acid renal scans to assess renal scarring.
- Conducted polymerase chain reaction and restriction digest for genotyping 104 reflux nephropathy patients and 30 controls.
- Analyzed TNF-alpha gene polymorphism at position -308, designated as TNF1 (-308G) and TNF2 (-308A).
Main Results:
- Allele frequencies showed TNF1 at 18.8% and TNF2 at 81.2% in reflux nephropathy patients versus 76.7% and 23.3% in controls.
- The TNF-alpha-AA genotype was significantly more prevalent (66.4% vs. 10%) in patients compared to controls (p <0.05).
- Conversely, the TNF-alpha-GG genotype was significantly lower (13.4% vs. 60%) in patients (p <0.05).
Conclusions:
- This research establishes a novel association between TNF-alpha gene polymorphism and reflux nephropathy.
- Findings suggest that individuals with vesicoureteral reflux and the TNF-alpha AA genotype exhibit heightened susceptibility to developing reflux nephropathy.