Exploring Apolipoprotein L1 Variants in Hemodialysis Patients: Insights From Southeastern Iran

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that leads to irreversible kidney damage. The apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene variants, particularly G1 and G2, are associated with CKD progression in African populations. This study investigated the presence of APOL1 variants in hemodialysis patients in Minab, southeastern Iran, where there is a considerable Black population. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 100 hemodialysis patients and 100 controls of Iranian-African descent. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and APOL1 G1 and G2 polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Ultimately, demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 22 (P<0.05). Results: None of the G1 or G2 risk alleles were found in the hemodialysis patients or the control group. Diabetic patients had a significantly higher mean age and weight compared to non-diabetic patients and controls. Moreover, biochemical analyses revealed elevated fasting blood sugar, urea, and creatinine levels in patients with diabetes. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that APOL1 risk alleles G1 and G2 are likely less common in the Middle Eastern region, suggesting that they do not contribute to CKD progression in the studied population. It is recommended that further research explore genetic factors influencing CKD in diverse populations and confirm these findings in larger cohorts across Iran.