Genetic factors in IgA nephropathy.

Immunoglobulin A glomerulonephritis (IgA-GN) or Berger's disease is the most common glomerulonephritis when diagnosis is based on renal biopsy. The disease has a variable clinical course. Abnormalities in the production and/or catabolism of IgA are thought to play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of IgA-GN. Some evidence suggests that genetic factors determine the susceptibility to develop IgA-GN. Furthermore it has been proposed that genetic factors determine also the rate of progression. Since hypertension is an important predictor of progression, genes involved in blood pressure regulation have been analysed. A polymorphism in the gene for the angiotensin converting enzyme has been reported to be associated with progression. Further studies and progress in molecular biology will help to further elucidate the genetic factors which contribute to the development and progression of IgA-GN.