Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO351

Distribution of APOL1 Renal Risk Variants in General Population from Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Session Information

• CKD: Risk Factors for Incidence and Progression - III
  November 04, 2017 | Location: Hall H, Morial Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Category: Chronic Kidney Disease (Non-Dialysis)

• 301 CKD: Risk Factors for Incidence and Progression

Authors

• Ekulu, Pepe Mfutu, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)

Pepe Mfutu Ekulu,

• Aloni, Michel Ntetani, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)

Michel Ntetani Aloni,

• Lepira, François Bompeka, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)

François Bompeka Lepira,

• Levtchenko, Elena N., KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Elena N. Levtchenko,

Background

The susceptibility in chronic kidney disease among sub-Saharan African descent has been attributed to apolipoprotein-L1 (APOL1) genetic variants G1 and G2. However, in Africa, data related to the geographical distribution of APOL1 risk variants are limited, and there is no reliable data from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We aimed to describe the frequencies of APOL1 risk variants in a large population from Central Africa and to assess the association with the early kidney damage in children.

Methods

A total of 465 participants from four large districts in Kinshasa were enrolled. APOL1 high-risk genotype was defined by the presence of 2 high-risk variants (G1/G1, G2/G2, G1/G2) and low risk genotype if 0 or 1 risk variants were present. Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was assessed in a fresh morning urine sample in children only, and elevated ACR was defined as ACR>30mg/g.

Results

From 465 subjects enrolled, 453 were successfully genotyped, of whom 388 children and 65 adults. APOL1 sequence analysis revealed 201 (44%) participants carrying at least one APOL1 risk variant, 36 (8%) 2 risk variants. Concerning the frequency of APOL1 risk alleles, 14 % of all chromosomes carried G1 whilst 13% carried G2. Thus, the burden of APOL1 risk allele was 27%. Of 388 children, 39 (10%) had elevated ACR. Compared to those carrying low-risk genotype, children with APOL1 high-risk genotype had a higher prevalence of microalbuminuria (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.41-4.84).

Conclusion

The burden of APOL1 renal risk variants is high in DRC. However, no strong statistical association has been found between the high-risk genotype and the early kidney damage in general population of children

Funding

• Government Support - Non-U.S.