Influence of angiotensin I-converting enzyme polymorphism on development of post-transplant erythrocytosis in renal graft recipients.
BACKGROUND
Post-transplant erythrocytosis (PTE) is estimated at 5-20%. Angiotensin II generated by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) stimulates erythropoiesis. The highest activity of ACE is observed in DD genotype. The question arises if ACE gene polymorphism influences PTE.


METHODS
One-year prospective study included 89 kidney recipients (28 women and 61 men).


RESULTS
Thirty-four (38%) recipients proved to be DD genotype, 36 (40%) ID, and 19 (22%) II genotype. Absolute PTE [hematocrit level (HCT) >50% and RBC > 5.5 mln/mm(3)] was found in 14 (19%) patients. PTE developed 6-12 months after kidney Tx. There were no significant differences in genotype distribution between patients with and without PTE. ANOVA showed that the most significant predictor of PTE development was the time since kidney Tx (p < 0.0001). Analysis of logistic regression showed that male sex was the most important factor in PTE development 12 months after kidney Tx (OR = 13.6: 95% CI 1.2-150.9, p < 0.05). D allele increased the PTE risk (OR = 3.3 for each allele: 95% CI 1.1-10.4, p < 0.05), the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) decreased the PTE risk (OR = 0.15: 95% CI 0.03-0.85, p < 0.05). In patients with DD genotype, there was a correlation between hemoglobin, RBC and HCT concentration, 12 months after Tx and panel of reactive antibody value before Tx (Rs = +0.43, p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Male sex and D allele presence increase the risk of PTE development, especially in highly immunized patients. The use of ACEI decreases the risk of PTE development.
Kedzierska
Karolina
K
Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland. karolina.kedzierska@interia.pl
Kabat-Koperska
Joanna
J
Safranow
Krzysztof
K
Domański
Maciej
M
Gołembiewska
Edyta
E
Bober
Joanna
J
Bohatyrewicz
Romuald
R
Ciechanowski
Kazimierz
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000235:genetics*; D011086:Polycythemia / Q000235:genetics*; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors
D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A