Polimorfismos dos genes MTHFR (metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase) e ECA (enzima conversora da angiotensina) em pacientes submetidos a transplante renal

Abstract

The chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) accounts for approximately 60% of late renal allograft loss. High homocysteine level (Hcy) and genetic variability of renin-angiotensin system are the possibly risk factors. Objectives: To investigate the frequency of Angiotensin Conversion Enzyme (ACE I/D) gene deletion, and Metilenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T and A1298C) variants, as well as to quantify the plasma homocysteine concentrations in 300 patients submitted to renal transplantation to evaluate these factors participation in CAN development. Furthermore the ingestion of micronutrients and the frequency of MTHFR T1317C polymorphism have been investigated. Material and Method: The molecular study was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RFPL (Restriction fragment length polymorphism)techniques for polymorphism investigation. In accordance with clinical criteria established, the patients had been subdivided in patients with CAN and patients with normal renal function (NRF). The automatic sequencing was performed for MTHFR polymorphism A1298C confirmation and identification of MTHFR T1317C polymorphism. Plasma Hcy concentration was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LS-MS/MS) technique. Dietary intakes were evaluated by a validated dietary questionnaire. Results: There was no correlation between the ingestion of micronutrients and CAN. The 1317C polymorphism frequency was 7% in Brazilian recipients. The presence, at least, of one MTHFR (677T/1298C)variant was significantly more frequent in CAN (p=0.049; OR = 1.7; 95% IC: 1.0 3.1), and a higher risk for disease was observed in the presence of the polymorphic $&( (D) variant (677T/1298AC/ACED) (p=0.009; OR = 2.2; 95% IC: 1.2 4.2). The hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in 82.1% of the CAN group patients, and 68.2% from MRF group. and plasmatic medium values of Hcy have presented statistical significant difference between the groups (p=0.005 and p<0.0005, respectively). High medium level of Hcy were associated with 677TT genotype and 677TT1298AA combined genotype in CAN group (p=0.002 and p=0.018, respectively) and with the 1298A allele from NRF group (p=0.009). The individuals of NRF group with 1298AA genotype have presented higher medium levels than 1298AC (p=0.033) genotype, suggesting a protector factor for 1298A allele. In relation to the distribution of Hcy levels, the CAN group has presented greater number of patients classified with severe and intermediate yperhomocysteinemia (>30μmol/L) (p=0.0005), in relation to NRF group. The 1298C allele presence, as well as the combination, at least, one 07+)5 (677T/1298C) polymorphic allele in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, were more frequent in CAN group (p=0.007 and p=0.002). A risk for CAN was observed in this combination (MTHFR 677T/1298C) in hyperhomocysteinemia patients (OR = 2.8; 95% IC: 1.4 6.0). This risk is increased in the presence of the polymorphic $&( (D) variant (OR = 3.4; 95% IC: 1.5 8.1). This suggests that the combination of, at least, one polymorphic 07+)5 allele and ECA(in those patients with hyperhomocysteinemia can predispose recipients to CAN development.