Impact of NF-κB gene polymorphism on allograft outcome in Hispanic renal transplant recipients

Abstract Background The dimeric NF-κB transcription factors play critical roles in diverse cellular processes including adaptive and innate immunity, cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. It regulates the expression of numerous genes that play a key role in the inflammatory response during kidney allograft rejection. This study aims to determine the association of NF-κB gene polymorphisms with allograft outcomes in the Hispanic renal transplant recipients. Methods A total of 607 Hispanic renal transplant recipients at St. Vincent Medical Center between 2001 and 2010 were included in this study. The NF-κB genotypes were studied along with clinical data. In the case of NF-κB genotypes, the following single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were included: NF-κB1 (rs3774959, rs3774932, rs3774937, rs230526, rs230519), NF-κB2 (rs1056890, rs7897947, rs12769316) and NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK) (rs9908330, rs7222094). The association of each genotype with renal allograft survival and acute rejection was evaluated. Results NF-κB1 (rs3774937) CC genotype showed protective association with allograft rejection (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.44–0.99, p = 0.04). There was a significant increase in allograft survival time associated with the NF-κB1 (rs3774959) A allele (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60–0.98, p = 0.03) while GG genotype was associated with a higher risk of graft failure (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.02–2.21, p = 0.03). There were no associations between polymorphic markers in NF-κB2 and NIK genes with allograft survival or acute rejection. Among non-genetic factors, we found that the use of tacrolimus, a deceased donor, delayed graft function and acute rejection were associated with allograft failure. Conclusion The result of present study suggests that NF-κB1 gene polymorphisms may determine the incidence of acute rejection or graft survival among Hispanic allograft recipients.