Previous studies have shown that insertion/deletion polymorphisms in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene are associated with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). However, further studies are required to prove the relationship between HSPN and ACE and eNOS single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We studied six ACE SNPs and two eNOS SNPs by genotyping HSPN patients. Statistical analyses indicate that four ACE SNPs and two eNOS SNPs are associated with HSPN susceptibility. A cumulative effect analysis suggested that an increased number of unfavourable genotypes may lead to an increased risk of HSPN. By comparing alleles, genotypes and haplotypes that are associated with lupus nephritis (LN) and HSPN, we found genetic heterogeneity between HSPN and LN.
Keywords: Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis; angiotensin-converting enzyme gene; endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene; single nucleotide polymorphisms, association.