NIH study finds APOL1 gene variant linked to increased kidney disease risk in West Africans.

A recent NIH study identified a significant genetic risk factor for kidney disease in West Africans, revealing that nearly one-third of individuals in Ghana and Nigeria carry the APOL1 gene variant. This variant increases the risk of chronic kidney disease, with one variant raising the risk by 18% and two by 25%. The findings underscore the importance of studying diverse populations to improve understanding and treatment of kidney diseases, which could also benefit affected Americans.

October 28, 2024
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