Association of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) rs1800629 Polymorphism in Chronic Kidney Disease

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive loss of kidney function. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine implicated in inflammatory processes, including those affecting the kidneys. Although this association is not yet comprehensible, a tie-up between renal disease and markers of inflammation - interleukin-6 (IL-6), preceded by TNF-α - is eminent. However, a pause in research is evident concerning the TNF-α gene with kidney disease in the inhabitants of India. So, this study investigates the association between TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and CKD. Methodology A prospective case-control study was conducted in Andhra Pradesh for over three years. A total of 579 patients participated in the study. These were divided into premature, late-stage CKD, and control groups. The amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used, and biochemical investigations and genotyping were carried out for the study participants. Hardy-Weinberg expected frequencies (HWE) with chi-square test was used for detecting allele and genotype frequencies. The association between TNF-α (-308 G/A, rs1800629) and CKD was assessed using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We found a higher prevalence of CKD among males (n = 301, 52%) compared to females (n = 278, 48%). Both male and female participants diagnosed with CKD exhibited significantly elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels compared to the control group, indicating impaired kidney function. Furthermore, these markers were generally higher in the late-stage CKD group compared to the early-stage group, suggesting a progressive decline in kidney function as the disease worsens. The homozygous genotype GG was more prevalent in late-stage CKD patients compared to both early-stage CKD patients and controls. Further, the heterozygous genotype GA was more frequent in the early-stage CKD group compared to the late-stage group. The homozygous genotype AA also showed a higher prevalence in the early-stage CKD group compared to the late-stage group. The G/G genotype and the G allele (rs1800629) were significantly associated with susceptibility to CKD (P<0.005). Conclusions Our study reported the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and CKD risk in a South Indian population. G/G genotype and the G allele (rs1800629) were significantly associated with the risk of CKD. However, further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these observations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which TNF-α might influence CKD risk.