Exploring Apolipoprotein L۱ 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 L۱ (APOL۱) gene variants, particularly G۱ and G۲, are associated with CKD progression in African populations. This study investigated the presence of APOL۱ variants in hemodialysis patients in Minab, southeastern Iran, where there is a considerable Black population. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving ۱۰۰ hemodialysis patients and ۱۰۰ controls of Iranian-African descent. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and APOL۱ G۱ and G۲ polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Ultimately, demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using SPSS ۲۲ (P<۰.۰۵). Results: None of the G۱ or G۲ 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 APOL۱ risk alleles G۱ and G۲ 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.