Influence of AIF1 Gene Polymorphisms on Long-Term Kidney Allograft Function

BACKGROUND Allograft inflammatory factor (AIF-1) is a recently studied cytoplasmic protein encoded by the AIF1 gene in humans. The main function of AIF-1 is in the chronic inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the rs2269475: C>T, rs2736182: G>A, and rs2259571: A>C AIF1 gene polymorphisms on long-term kidney allograft function and graft loss after kidney transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study enrolled 269 white kidney allograft recipients (165 males, 104 females, mean age 47.63±12.96 years, after transplantation performed between 2000 and 2006). The rs2269475: C>T, rs2736182: G>A, and rs2259571: A>C AIF1 gene polymorphisms were genotyped with TaqMan genotyping assays using a 7500 FAST Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, USA). RESULTS Creatinine concentrations at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after transplantation did not differ significantly between the studied genotypes of AIF1 polymorphisms. Cox regression analysis showed no statistically significant associations between the risk of graft loss/return to dialysis and the examined polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that the AIF1 gene polymorphisms have no influence on long-term kidney allograft function.