Background: Despite new immunosuppressive drugs, only a minority of graft survive over 15 years. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of gene polymorphisms in the G-protein-beta(3) subunit (Gbeta3) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) on the long-term outcome of kidney grafts.
Methods: Using PCR, corresponding genotypes in Gbeta3 (C825T) and eNOS (G894T) gene polymorphism were evaluated in patients with preserved graft function over 15 years and in a control group of transplant recipients.
Results: There were no differences in allele and genotype distributions of both polymorphisms between groups. In Gbeta3 polymorphism, the 825T allele carriers had a significantly lower body mass index while in eNOS polymorphism there were no links between genotypes, renal function and atherosclerosis risk factors.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that these gene polymorphisms have only a minor influence on long-term renal graft function.
Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel