The genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are involved in progression of renal failure. We examined the A1166C polymorphism at the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1R) locus in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The distribution of genotype and allele frequencies was compared in 430 dialysis patients and 260 healthy controls. DNA samples were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplification products were digested with BsuRI restriction enzyme. In the presence of cytosine (C) there is a restriction site for this enzyme, giving a fragment of 231 bp (C allele), whereas undigested 255 bp fragment indicates the presence of the A allele. The higher frequency of combined AC and CC genotypes was observed in the patient group than in controls (48.6 vs. 39.5%, p < 0.05). The average time from the onset of renal disease to ESRD in patients with C allele was significantly shorter than in those with AA genotype (6.3 vs. 13 years, p < 0.01). Positive family history of renal disease in patients with AC/CC genotype seems to increase this effect. Our results indicate that the presence of C allele of the AT1R locus polymorphism might be associated with faster deterioration of renal function.
Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel