A419C Polymorphism of Glyoxalase I Gene: Renal Function and Histological Findings at 12 Months after Renal Transplantation

Background and Aims: AGEs (advanced glycation end products) are involved in the pathogenesis of vascular damage and progression of chronic kidney diseases. They are detoxified by the glyoxalase (GLO) system. The aim of the study was to test whether A419C polymorphism of GLO I gene is associated with the outcome of kidney transplantation.

Methods: A419C polymorphism of the GLO I gene was assessed in 145 renal transplant recipients and its relationship to histological changes in 12 months protocol kidney graft biopsy and renal function was examined.

Results: Genotype frequencies of the studied polymorphism corresponded to the expected frequencies according to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No significant differences among allelic and genotype frequencies among patients with normal histological findings, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy and subclinical rejection and renal parameters were found. However, a trend towards lower levels of serum creatinine and proteinuria was observed in patients with CC genotype.

Conclusions: This is the first study of glyoxalase I gene polymorphism in patients with the transplanted kidney. Although no significant relationship of the GLO I genotype to the histology of the transplanted kidney and renal parameters could be found, a trend towards better outcome in patients with the CC genotype was observed.