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Published on: May 2, 2013

Improved renal allograft survival with vitamin D receptor polymorphism

P J Lavin1, M E Laing, P O'Kelly

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. plavin@chg.duhs.duke.edu

Renal Failure
|November 13, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) FokI T allele is linked to better kidney transplant survival. This genetic finding supports using VDR agonists to prevent transplant rejection.

Area of Science:

  • Transplantation immunology
  • Genetics
  • Renal medicine

Background:

  • Allograft loss can result from immune and non-immune factors influencing atherosclerosis and immune response.
  • Vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists have shown promise in reducing allograft rejection in animal studies.
  • Functional polymorphisms within the VDR gene present potential targets for investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between VDR gene polymorphisms (FokI and ApaI) and renal allograft survival.
  • To determine the impact of these genotypes on acute rejection rates in kidney transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of 379 renal transplant recipients for VDR FokI and ApaI polymorphisms.
  • Statistical analysis to correlate genotypes with allograft survival and acute rejection events.

Main Results:

  • A significant improvement in renal allograft survival was observed in patients with the VDR FokI T allele (homozygous or heterozygous).
  • The Hazard Ratio for allograft loss was significantly reduced (HR = 0.488, p < 0.001) for carriers of the VDR FokI T allele.

Conclusions:

  • The VDR FokI T allele is uniquely associated with enhanced renal allograft survival.
  • This genetic association aligns with evidence suggesting VDR agonists can prevent chronic allograft rejection.

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