The Relationship Between Interferon‐γ Gene Polymorphism and Acute Kidney Allograft Rejection

Abstract

Cytokine gene polymorphisms have been associated with modified gene expression and cytokine production. Gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney transplant rejection. This study evaluated the association between IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms and the history of acute allograft rejection in 53 adult first‐transplant recipients receiving cadaveric kidney grafts. They were followed up in a single centre until 2006, for a median time of 4 years after transplantation (1–22 years). IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms +874 T/A (rs2430561) were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). T/T high IFN‐γ genotype was found in 12, intermediate T/A in 29 and low A/A in 12 patients. Twenty‐six acute kidney rejection episodes were evidenced in 20 patients, of which none occurred in the 12 patients with low IFN‐γ genotype A/A. Age, gender, number of HLA (human leukocyte antigen) mismatches, ABO blood groups, HLA, time after transplantation, creatinine clearance and immunosuppressive regimens were excluded as confounding factors associated with IFN‐γ genotype distribution between rejectors and non‐rejectors. IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms could be an important risk factor for acute kidney transplant rejection, whereas the low A/A IFN‐γ genotype could be protective against rejection.

Tumour necrosis factor-α plus interleukin-10 low producer phenotype predicts acute kidney injury and death in intensive care unit patients

“…In recent years, the study of polymorphisms of genes involved in host immune responses, including cytokines and other modulators of the inflammatory response, has been the subject of interest, as these genetic markers may be potentially responsible for susceptibility or severity of acute disease .…”

Investigation of cytokine polymorphisms on viral infections after renal transplantation exhibit association between IFN‐γ +874 A > T and CMV manifestations

“…This study has limitations. Although the casuistry is similar or superior to several works (Karimi et al., 2011; Zibar et al., 2011), it was carried out on a population previously investigated, and with a relatively small number of enrolled patients, which may have limited the observation of potentially relevant associations. Furthermore, the role of cytokine SNPs in infection is not yet established, as some large cohort studies have not found a significant association between +874A/T SNP and CMV disease (Santiago et al., 2020), while others found CMV disease associated with T allele (Mitsani et al., 2011).…”

Genetic Susceptibility to Acute Kidney Injury

“…Genetic factors have been proposed as potentially responsible for the susceptibility and severity of AKI, explaining why only particular patients are more prone to AKI and why different patients respond to treatment distinctly [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. This fact has led to a new form of exercise medicine, known as personalized medicine, the aim of which is for patients to be treated as individuals and not as groups [ 42 ].…”