Introduction: The immunoglobulin-like molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are responsible for endothelial cell-leukocyte adhesion followed by transmigration of leukocytes through the endothelial cell lining. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between polymorphisms in ICAM1 and VCAM1 genes and histopathological changes in transplanted kidney biopsies.
Material and methods: The study enrolled 82 Caucasian renal transplant recipients (48 males, 34 females). Genotyping of the rs5498 ICAM1 and the rs1041163 and rs3170794 VCAM1 gene polymorphisms was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Biopsies were performed in 82 patients and were reviewed by
a renal pathologist and the Banff working classification criteria were used.
Results: There were no significant associations between VCAM gene polymorphisms and histopathological changes in kidney allograft biopsies. ICAM1 gene polymorphism was associated with the grade of interstitial fibrosis. Interstitial fibrosis was more severe among individuals with the G allele than those with the A allele (AA vs. GG+AG, p = 0.017). There were no statistically significant associations between ICAM1 gene polymorphism and other histopathological changes in kidney allograft biopsies.
Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that rs5498 ICAM1 gene polymorphism is associated with the grade of interstitial fibrosis in kidney recipients and the changes are more severe in patients with the G allele.