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A focus on the association of Apol1 with kidney disease in children

Pepe M Ekulu1,2, Agathe B Nkoy3, Oyindamola C Adebayo4

  • 1Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. drmfutu@yahoo.fr.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|April 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Individuals of African origin with APOL1 risk variants face higher risks for progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKD). This review examines APOL1

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Individuals of African origin exhibit a higher predisposition to progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKD).
  • Genetic variants (G1, G2) in the apolipoprotein-L1 (APOL1) gene are implicated in this increased CKD risk.
  • APOL1 risk variants are linked to hypertension, albuminuria, and accelerated kidney function decline in pediatric populations, particularly those with sickle cell disease (SCD) or HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing epidemiological data on APOL1-related CKD in children.
  • To explore racial disparities in CKD.
  • To examine the role of APOL1 in innate immunity and pathogenic pathways of kidney injury.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological studies on APOL1 and pediatric CKD.
  • Analysis of data on racial disparities in CKD prevalence.
  • Synthesis of research on APOL1's role in immunity and kidney injury mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • APOL1 risk variants are significantly associated with CKD development and progression in children.
  • Racial disparities in CKD are partly explained by APOL1 genetic factors.
  • APOL1 influences innate immunity and contributes to kidney damage through specific pathogenic pathways.

Conclusions:

  • APOL1 genetic variants are a critical factor in the increased risk and progression of CKD among individuals of African origin, including children.
  • Understanding APOL1's role is crucial for addressing racial disparities in pediatric CKD.
  • Further research into APOL1-mediated pathogenic pathways may reveal novel therapeutic targets for kidney disease.

Keywords:
APOL1ChildrenChronic kidney diseaseGeneticsHIV-associated nephropathySickle cell disease

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