Multifaceted role of apolipoprotein L1 risk variants and nephropathy

Abstract

Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: APOL1 protein is encoded by the APOL1 gene in humans and plays a role in innate immunity. The spectrum of APOL1-related nephropathies consists of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy (MGN), sickle-cell nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, arterionephrosclerosis, lupus nephritis, microalbuminuria, chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Moreover, APOL1 nephropathy risk variants are associated with shorter survival of deceased kidney allografts, lower renal function, interstitial and fibrosis glomerulosclerosis.