Association of STAT4 polymorphisms with susceptibility to primary membranous glomerulonephritis and renal failure

Background: Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is one of common causes of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in adults, and 25% of MGN patients proceed to end-stage renal disease. STAT4 gene polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with many inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to clarify the relationship between STAT4 gene polymorphisms and the pathogenesis of MGN. Methods: We investigated the association of three STAT4 gene polymorphisms (rs3024912, rs3024908, and rs3024877) with the susceptibility to MGN in 403 Taiwanese populations (138 MGN patients and 265 controls). Results: The results indicated that the statistically significant difference in genotype frequency distribution was found at rs3024908 SNP in MGN patients and control groups (p = 0.014). In addition, the individuals with the GG genotype at rs3024912 SNP may have a higher risk in kidney failure of MGN patients (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.255; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.155-9.176, p = 0.026). Conclusions: Our data provide a new information that the STAT4 (rs3024912 and rs3024908) polymorphisms may be the underlying cause of MGN, and these polymorphisms revealed by this study warrant further investigation. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.