ACE Gene Polymorphism Frequency in Steroid Resistance and Steroid Sensitive in Patients with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

Background The angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism has been suggested as a modifier factor in benign renal diseases. However, the direct evidence from genetic association studies in adult Egyptian patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome remain inconclusive. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the frequency of ACE gene polymorphism I/D alleles, DD and II genotypes in Egyptian adult nephrotic patients and its association to their steroid response. Methods One hundred and ninety-eight adult patients older than 19 years of age with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome were enrolled in this study. Another 102 healthy adults with no history of kidney disease volunteered were participate. The distribution frequencies of the DD, ID, II genotypes were determined were determined using a PCR method. Results The frequency of ACE gene polymorphism D- allele and DD genotypes were significantly higher in steroid responsive adult patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome compared with healthy control. In contrast, the frequency of polymorphism I allele and the heterozygous of ID genotype were significantly lower in steroid responsive adult patients idiopathic nephrotic syndrome compared with healthy control. Finally, the frequency of II genotype was not significantly different between the steroid resistance, steroid sensitive and control groups. Conclusions These findings suggest that the D allele or DD homozygous genotype could be significant genetic markers for the development of steroid response in adult Egyptian patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.