The association between eNOS intron 4 VNTR polymorphism and delayed graft function of kidney allografts

Genetic susceptibility to delayed graft function following kidney transplantation: a systematic review of the literature

Delayed graft function (DGF) is defined as the need for dialysis within 7 days following kidney transplantation (KTx). DGF is associated with increased costs, higher risk for acute rejection and decreased long-term graft function. Renal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury plays a major role in DGF occurrence. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in certain genes may aggravate kidney susceptibility to I/R injury, thereby worsening post-transplant outcomes. The present article proposes an extensive review of the literature about the putative impact of donor or recipient SNPs on DGF occurrence in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Among 30 relevant PubMed reports, 16 articles identified an association between 18 SNPs and DGF. These polymorphisms concern 14 different well-known genes and one not-yet-identified gene located on chromosome 18. They have been categorized into five groups according to the role of the corresponding proteins in I/R cascade: (i) oxidative stress, (ii) telomere shortening, (iii) chemokines, (iv) T-cell homeostasis and (v) metabolism of anti-inflammatory molecules. The remaining 14 studies failed to demonstrate any association between the studied SNPs and the occurrence of DGF. A better understanding of the genetic susceptibility to renal I/R injury may help prevent DGF and improve clinical outcomes in KTRs.

Delayed graft function in the kidney transplant

Acute kidney injury occurs with kidney transplantation and too frequently progresses to the clinical diagnosis of delayed graft function (DGF). Poor kidney function in the first week of graft life is detrimental to the longevity of the allograft. Challenges to understand the root cause of DGF include several pathologic contributors derived from the donor (ischemic injury, inflammatory signaling) and recipient (reperfusion injury, the innate immune response and the adaptive immune response). Progressive demand for renal allografts has generated new organ categories that continue to carry high risk for DGF for deceased donor organ transplantation. New therapies seek to subdue the inflammatory response in organs with high likelihood to benefit from intervention. Future success in suppressing the development of DGF will require a concerted effort to anticipate and treat tissue injury throughout the arc of the transplantation process.