Obesity-related glomerulopathy in the presence of APOL1 risk alleles

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Aug 19;15(8):e249624. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249624.

Abstract

Nephropathic apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk alleles (G1/G2) have been associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, HIV-associated nephropathy, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated collapsing glomerulopathy and other glomerulonephritides. These alleles confer protection from Trypanosoma brucei infections which are enriched in sub-Saharan African populations. We present a young woman with obesity, hypertension, subnephrotic range proteinuria who was found to have obesity-related glomerulopathy on kidney biopsy while harbouring two high-risk APOL1 alleles (G1/G2). Given the potential effects on lipid metabolism and their association with obesity, the presence of APOL1 risk alleles may impact cardiovascular health in addition to renal disease in these patients.

Keywords: Metabolic disorders; Pathology; Renal system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Apolipoprotein L1* / genetics
  • Black People
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental* / genetics
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • APOL1 protein, human
  • Apolipoprotein L1