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Iron indices and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in hemodialysis patients

Marcello Amato1, Stefania Pacini, Stefano Aterini

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Prato Hospital, Prato, Italy. nefrolog@usl4.toscana.it

Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease
|March 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variations may influence iron levels in hemodialysis patients. The F allele of VDR was linked to lower transferrin saturation, impacting cardiovascular health in these individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Genetics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, often driven by atherosclerosis.
  • Vitamin D and its analogs improve survival in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
  • Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms are associated with various diseases and differential responses to vitamin D therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between four VDR gene polymorphisms (BsmI, ApaI, TaqI, FokI) and iron indices in HD patients.
  • To explore potential links between VDR genotypes and iron status markers relevant to CVD risk.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of 88 hemodialysis patients for VDR polymorphisms (BsmI, ApaI, TaqI, FokI).
  • Measurement of iron indices: serum iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, and ferritin.
  • Statistical analysis to compare allele frequencies based on transferrin saturation levels.

Main Results:

  • The F allele of the VDR gene was found to be more frequent in HD patients with transferrin saturation <20% compared to those with transferrin saturation >20% (P = .03).
  • This suggests a potential relationship between specific VDR genotypes and iron metabolism in HD patients.

Conclusions:

  • VDR gene polymorphisms, particularly the F allele, may be associated with altered iron status in hemodialysis patients.
  • This finding could offer insights into the interplay between VDR genetics, iron markers, and cardiovascular risk in CKD patients on HD.

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