A common APOE polymorphism is an independent risk factor for reduced glomerular filtration rate in the Spanish RENASTUR cohort

Abstract

Objective. APOE gene variants may contribute to risk of chronic kidney disease. Our aim was to determine whether the common APOE-ε2/ε3/ε4 polymorphism was associated with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the Renastur population, a cohort of elderly individuals from the region Asturias (Northern Spain). Methods. A total of 743 Spanish Caucasian aged 55-85 were genotyped for the APOE-ε2/ ε3/ ε4 polymorphisms. Individuals with a previous diagnostic of renal disease were not eligible for the study. Participants with a documented history of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or hypertension or who were receiving antidiabetic or antihypertensive drugs were classified as diabetics and hypertensives. The eGFR was calculated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulae, and those with an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (n=91) were considered as having renal impaired function. The effect of alleles and genotypes on clinical (hypertension, diabetes) and analytical findings was statistically determined. Results. In addition to age and T2DM, APOE-ε2 was significantly associated with eGFR<60 (p=0.002; OR= 2.30). This association remained statistically significant after correction by multiple variants. Although the effect of the APOE-ε2 on eGFR was seen among diabetics and non diabetics, the significance was stronger in the T2DM group Conclusion. The APOE-ε2 allele was a genetic risk factor for impaired renal function among healthy Spanish elderly individuals.