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Vesicoureteric reflux and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphism
Rafael Pardo1, Serafín Málaga, Victoria Alvarez
1Pediatric Nephrology Department, Instituto de Investigación Nefrológica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, C/Celestino Villamil sn, CP 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
Journal of Pediatric Urology
|October 25, 2008
Summary
The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) -308A allele may increase susceptibility to vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). However, the TNF-alpha AA genotype is not linked to reflux nephropathy or renal scarring in VUR patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) can lead to renal scarring and reflux nephropathy.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene polymorphism, specifically at position -308, is associated with increased gene transcription.
- Previous research suggests a potential link between TNF-alpha gene variants and renal scarring predisposition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between TNF-alpha gene polymorphism at position -308 and the development of renal scarring in patients with VUR.
- To determine if the TNF-alpha -308A allele or AA genotype correlates with reflux nephropathy, VUR grade, or proteinuria.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 195 VUR patients (126 with reflux nephropathy) and 266 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion.
- Analysis of allele frequencies (-308G and -308A) and genotype distributions.
- Correlation of TNF-alpha genotype with the presence of renal scars, VUR grade, and proteinuria.
Main Results:
- The -308A allele frequency was higher in VUR patients (16.2%) compared to controls (11.1%), indicating a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).
- No significant association was found between TNF-alpha genotype distribution and the presence or absence of renal scars.
- TNF-alpha genotype did not correlate with the grade of VUR or the presence of proteinuria.
Conclusions:
- The TNF-alpha AA genotype is not associated with reflux nephropathy in patients with VUR.
- The TNF-alpha -308A allele may be linked to an increased susceptibility to developing VUR.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the role of TNF-alpha in VUR pathogenesis.
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