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Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in children with urinary tract infection

Sule Aslan1, Ipek Akil, Gulcin Aslan

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|September 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variations influence susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTI) in children. The FokI polymorphism significantly increases UTI risk, while ApaI may offer protection.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Vitamin D receptor (VDR) alleles impact infection susceptibility.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in children and can lead to renal scarring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and UTI in children.
  • To determine if specific VDR genotypes influence UTI risk or protection.

Main Methods:

  • Case-control study involving 92 children with UTI and 105 controls.
  • Analysis of VDR gene polymorphisms: BsmI, FokI, ApaI, and TaqI.

Main Results:

  • FokI polymorphism, specifically the ff genotype, showed a significant 3.94-fold increased risk of UTI (p < 0.01).
  • ApaI polymorphism was significantly more prevalent in the control group, suggesting a protective role (p < 0.01).
  • BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms did not show statistically significant associations with UTI risk.

Conclusions:

  • VDR gene polymorphisms, particularly FokI and ApaI, are associated with UTI susceptibility and potentially renal scar formation in children.
  • These findings align with vitamin D's role in modulating immune responses to infections.

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