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Upper urinary tract infections are associated with RANTES promoter polymorphism
Sonia Centi1, Susanna Negrisolo, Alejandra Stefanic
1Laboratory of Immunopathology and Molecular Biology of the Kidney, Department of Pediatrics Salus Pueri, University of Padua, Italy.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|September 28, 2010
Summary
Genetic variations in RANTES influence the risk of upper urinary tract infections in children. Specifically, the RANTES-403 G allele increases susceptibility to these infections, regardless of vesicoureteral reflux.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Immunogenetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children.
- Genetic factors may play a role in UTI susceptibility.
- Chemokine gene polymorphisms are implicated in immune responses to infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific gene polymorphisms (MCP-1, CCR2, RANTES, CCR5) and upper urinary tract infections (UUTIs) in pediatric patients.
- To determine if genetic variations influence UTI risk independently of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 273 children from Northeast Italy.
- Genotyping was performed for polymorphisms in MCP-1, CCR2, RANTES, and CCR5 genes.
- Statistical analyses were used to compare genotype frequencies between children with and without UUTIs.
Main Results:
- The RANTES-403 G>A genotype analysis revealed a significant association.
- Children carrying the RANTES-403 G allele demonstrated a higher risk of developing UUTIs.
- This increased risk was observed irrespective of the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux.
Conclusions:
- The RANTES-403 G allele is a potential genetic risk factor for upper urinary tract infections in children.
- Genetic predisposition, specifically related to RANTES, may contribute to UTI development.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking RANTES polymorphisms to UTI pathogenesis.
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