The Role Of Genetics In Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that affects how well your kidneys work. Most people know that high blood pressure and diabetes can damage the kidneys. But there’s another factor that often goes unnoticed is your genes.

What are genes, and how do they affect the kidneys?

Genes are like a set of instructions passed down from your parents. They help your body grow, work, and repair itself. But sometimes, these instructions can have errors. These small changes can lead to health problems,including kidney disease.

Kidney problems can run in families in some people. That’s because some genes can change and increase a person’s risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In some cases, the gene changes may not actually cause disease right away. But, in the presence of other factors like poor diet, infections, or stress, they can lead to kidney problems.

Two types of genetic kidney issues

There are primarily two ways through genes can impact kidney disease: 

• Single-gene conditions (monogenic): are caused by changes in one specific gene. An example of this is polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which is responsible for cysts or sacs of fluid in the kidneys. Another is Alport syndrome, which can cause form of kidney failure as well as hearing loss or vision disorders.

• Polygenic risk:

Most often, kidney disease is caused by small alterations in a number of genes. Alone, those changes may not impact very much. But in combination with other health conditions they (in some people) increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

• Examining the APOL1 gene in depth: 

Scientists have discovered a piece of DNA called the APOL1 gene, which increases the risk of kidney disease in people of African ancestry. APOL1 may have protected our ancestors from a certain form of infection. But today, it is associated with faster kidney damage in some individuals.

This shows how each gene can have different effects on different groups of people.It also explains why some get CKD even if they follow a healthy lifestyle.

The benefits of understanding your genetic risk 

Understanding your genetic risk offers two major advantages: 

• A head start on monitoring: 

If kidney disease runs in your family, physicians can closely monitor your health. By doing simple tests, early indicators of kidney damage can be detected with sufficient time to act. 

• More suitable treatment: 

Some people may respond differently to medications or treatments based on their genetic makeup. If they know this information ahead of time, physicians can provide more tailored care for their patients.

Should you have a genetic test? 

Genetic testing is becoming a recognized part of medical care, most notably in children, or adults with unusual kidney ailments. It is not necessary for everyone, but there are certain individual circumstances where it can be advantageous for the patient. 

It’s important to bear in mind that notice of a genetic change does not guarantee that the person will develop CKD; it conveys that they may have a greater likelihood of experiencing CKD.

CKD isn’t just caused by lifestyle or age. 

Genetics plays the most important role. Taking a few steps to protect yourself  by getting to know about your family health history and consulting to a doctor will be really helpful. 

At Sugam Hospital, you can speak to the top Nephrologist In Chennai , who helps patients understand their risk and offer care that fits their unique needs. If you’re worried about kidney disease, reach out to our expert team for advice and support.