细胞色素P450 19基因多态性与新疆维吾尔族女性乳腺癌易感性的关系

目的:探讨细胞色素P450 19基因多态性与新疆维吾尔族女性乳腺癌相关关系。方法:应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测112例维吾尔族女性乳腺癌患者(病例组)和139例维吾尔族正常女性(对照组)细胞色素P450 19基因rs10046位点多态性,分析该位点多态性与新疆维吾尔族女性乳腺癌易感性的关系。结果:细胞色素P450(CYP)19基因rs10046位点存在C-T的替换。等位基因C、T在病例组分布频率为48.2%、51.8%,对照组频率为47.5%、52.5%,两组等位基因分布无统计学差异(P0.05)。其中CC、TC、TT基因型在病例组分布频率分别为26.8%、42.9%、30.4%,在对照组中分布频率分别为18.0%、59.0%、23.0%,两组间分布差异有统计学差异(P0.05)。BMI≥25、年龄≥50岁、活产次数≥2次为维吾尔族乳腺癌发病的危险因素,流产、细胞色素P450 19 rs10046位点TC基因型为维吾尔族乳腺癌发病的保护因素。校正年龄、BMI、月经初潮年龄、怀孕、哺乳乳腺癌发病危险因素后,绝经为维吾尔族乳腺癌发病的独立危险因素。结论:新疆维吾尔族女性乳腺癌的发病与年龄、BMI、活产次数、流产及细胞色素P450 19rs10046位点多态性密切相关,其中携带TC基因型和流产可降低维吾尔族女性乳腺癌的发病风险。     

非综合征型唇腭裂与成纤维细胞生长因子3基因相关性的研究

目的研究成纤维细胞生长因子3(fibroblast growth factor 3,FGF3)基因多态性与新疆地区维吾尔族人群非综合征型唇腭裂(non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate,NSCL/P)的关系。方法收集新疆地区世居维吾尔族NSCL/P患者115例为病例组,其中唇裂伴或不伴腭裂75例(CL/P组),单纯腭裂40例(CPO组);患者父亲84例,患者母亲90例;78个完整核心家系;对照组为150例正常新疆籍维吾尔族儿童。采用聚合酶链式反应-限制性片段长度多态性,对FGF3基因单核苷酸多态性(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNP)rs4980700、rs4631909进行基因分型。结果在FGF3基因的rs4980700位点上,CL/P组基因型和等位基因频率与对照组之间比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);CPO组中基因型和等位基因频率与对照组之间比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);在FGF3基因的rs4631909位点上,CL/P组中基因型和等位基因频率与对照组之间比较,差异有统计学意义(PO.05);而CPO组两组之间比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。FBAT分析rs4980700的A等位基因和rs4631909的T等位基因在核心家系中有过度传递的发生。结论 FGF3基因多态性可能与新疆维吾尔族人群NSCL/P的发生存在相关性。     

ACE2基因多态性与新疆墨玉县维吾尔族慢性肾脏病的关系

目的:探讨ACE2基因多态性与新疆维吾尔族成人CKD的关系。方法:在2013年03月~2014年04月新疆墨玉县农村维吾尔族成人慢性肾脏病(CKD)流行病学调查的数据库基础上,随机抽取资料完整的CKD及健康对照样本共254例,采用聚合酶连反应和限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)分型技术对ACE2 G8790A、A1075G两位位点单个核酸多态性(SNPs)进行基因分型鉴定。结果:ACE2基因G8790A位点基因型及等位基因频率分布情况:在女性CKD组中AA基因型频率高于健康对照组(P0.05)。在男性CKD组中A等位基因频率高于健康对照组(P0.05)。ACE2基因A1075G位点基因型及等位基因频率分布情况:在女性CKD并高血压组中AA基因型频率高于非高血压组(P0.05)。结论:ACE2G8790A基因多态性可能与新疆维吾尔族成人CKD有关。ACE2 A1075G基因多态性可能与新疆维吾尔族女性成人CKD合并高血压有关。     

Klotho基因多态性与老年人低骨量的相关性研究

目的 研究klotho基因G395A、F352V位点与新疆维、汉两民族老年人（>60岁）低骨量的相关性,探讨该基因多态性在维、汉两民族中的分布差异。方法 收集人住新疆医科大学第一附属医院干部病房的维、汉老年患者324例,其中低骨量病例组（骨量减低组+骨质疏松组）164例,对照组（骨量正常值）160例。采用多重SNaPshot SNP ( Single nucleotide polymorphisms)分型技术对klotho基因G395A、F352V位点进行基因分型。结果（1) Klotho基因多态性在病例组与对照组间整体比较,差异无统计学意义（P >0.05)。(2)在维、汉两民族间整体比较,G395A多态性的分布差异无统计学意义（P >0.05）,维吾尔族人群F352V多态性基因型TT及等位基因T分布频率均低于汉族,差异具有统计学意义(P < 0. 05);汉族人群 TG、GG基因型及等位基因G频率均低于维吾尔族,差异具有统计学意义(P <0. 05)。(3)在男、女性别间比较,G395A、F352V 多态性分布差异均未见有统计学意义(P >0. 05)。结论 Klotho基因G395A、F352V位点多态性可能不是新疆地区维、汉老年人群低骨量发生的危险因子,F352V多态性在维、汉不同民族中的分布具有差异性。     

汉族与维吾尔族尿石症患者血管内皮生长因子基因多态性研究

目的探讨不同种族之间血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）基因型频率的分布。方法应用聚合酶链反应一限制性片段长度多态性分析术（PCR—RFLP）、基因测序等技术检测汉族尿石症患者、健康人群以及维吾尔族尿石症患者和健康人群各200名的VEGF基因多态性,比较两组VEGF基因型和等位基因的分布频率。结果汉族尿石症患者中CC基因型占1．00％、CT基因型占80．50％、TT基因型占18．50％,而维吾尔族尿石症患者中CC基因型占1．50％、CT基因型占69．50％、TT基因型占29．00％。汉族健康者中CC基因型占0．00％、CT基因型占85．50％、TT基因型占14．50％,维吾尔族健康者中CC基因型占0．25％、CT基因型占85．50％、TT基因型占13．75％。两民族VEGF基因型的分布频率差异有显著性（P〈0．05）。结论汉族、维吾尔族尿石症患者VEGF基因多态性分布频率有差异。     

中国汉族人群TGFBR2基因rs6785358、rs764522多态性与风湿性心脏病的关联研究

目的探讨中国汉族人群转化生长因子Ⅱ型受体(transforming growth factor-βreceptor typeⅡ,TGFBR2)基因rs6785358、rs764522位点多态性与风湿性心脏病(rheumatic heart disease,RHD)的关系。方法采用病例对照设计,选择2008年10月至2011年1月在南京医科大学附属南京第一医院住院的风湿性心脏病患者207例作为风湿性心脏病组(风心病组)及性别年龄匹配的健康成人225例作为对照组。采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测两组TGFBR2基因rs6785358、rs764522位点的多态性。结果风心病组和对照组TGFBR2基因rs6785358位点AA、AG、GG基因型频率分别为72.0%、25.1%、2.9%和68.9%、28.0%、3.1%,两组比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.50,P=0.78);A和G等位基因频率分别为84.5%、15.5%和82.9%、17.1%,两组比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.43,P=0.51)。风心病组和对照组rs764522位点CC、CG、GG基因型频率分别为77.3%、21.3%、1.4%和75.6%、21.3%、3.1%,两组比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=1.33,P=0.51);C和G等位基因频率分别为87.9%、12.1%和86.2%、13.8%,两组比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.55,P=0.46)。经性别分层后,rs6785358和rs764522的基因型和等位基因频率在风心病组和对照组中的分布差异仍无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论中国汉族人群TGFBR2基因rs6785358、rs764522位点多态性与风湿性心脏病无明显关联。     

云南红河地区哈尼族与昆明地区汉族Runx2基因多态性比较研究

目的 比较云南红河地区哈尼族与昆明地区汉族Runx2基因多态性。方法 将昆明医科大学第一附属医院120名汉族健康体检者作为汉族人群，云南省红河地区126名哈尼族作为哈尼族人群。应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片断长度多态性 (PCR-IFLP)方法分析Runx2基因第一启动子P1-330G/T位点等位基因多态性，应用RT-PCR TaqMan SNP基因分型技术分析 Runx2基因第二启动子P2-1025T/C位点等位基因多态性，并测序验证基因型。采用超声测量仪测量研究人群右足跟骨的骨密度（BMD)。比较汉族人群和哈尼族人群在基因型分布和等位基因频率之间的差异，分析哈尼族人群BMD与影响因素之间的关系。结果 Runx2基因P1-330G/T位点GG、GT、TT基因型分布以及G、T等位基因频率，Runx2基因P2-1025T/C位点 TT、TC、CC基因型分布以及T、C等位基因频率在云南昆明地区汉族、云南红河地区哈尼族人群间无统计学差异（P > 0. 05)。 Runx2基因P1-330G/T位点GG和GT基因型，Runx2基因P2-1025T/C位点TC和TT基因型在哈尼族人群BMD正常和减低组间的差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示，BMD与哈尼族人群Runx2基因P1-330 G/T位点、P2-1025T/C 位点、以及年龄因素的 OR 值和 95%CI 分别为：1.337，0.649 ~2.756;0. 132，0.024 ~0.710;1. 101，1.041 -1. 163。结论 云南红河地区哈尼族与昆明地区汉族Runx2基因P1-330G/T位点和P2-1025T/C位点的基因型分布以及等位基因频率无人群间差异和地域性差异。Runx2基因P1-330G/T位点和P2-1025T/C位点的基因型分布以及等位基因频率在云南省红河地区哈尼族人群BMD正常和减低组间存在显著差异。Runx2基因P1-330G/T位点与BMD无关，年龄是BMD的危险因素，Runx2基因 P2-1025T/C位点可能是BMD的保护因素，该位点的T等位基因可能是BMD的保护基因。     

甘露糖结合蛋白基因多态性与维吾尔族IgA肾病免疫病理类型的关系

目的 探讨甘露糖结合蛋白（MBP）基因多态性与维吾尔族IgA肾病（IgAN）患者免疫病理类型之间的关系。 方法 选择68例经肾活检证实的维吾尔族IgAN患者为对象，对照组为200例维吾尔族健康献血员。采用PCR-RFLP的方法对MBP基因第54位密码子基因多态性进行研究。 结果 （1） 维吾尔族IgAN组与健康对照组MBP-54基因多态性之间差异无统计学意义。（2） 维吾尔族IgAN复合沉积组GAC/GGC 基因型频率显著高于单纯沉积组(44.7% 比 20.0%)；IgAN复合沉积组等位基因GAC的发生频率（0.303）显著高于单纯沉积组（0.133），2组之间的差异有统计学意义（χ2 = 5.461, P < 0.05)。 结论 维吾尔族IgAN 免疫病理多样性受基因背景影响，MBP基因54位点突变型等位基因GAC与维吾尔族IgA肾病免疫复合沉积有关     

MTRR A66G基因多态性与深静脉血栓形成的关系

目的探讨蛋氨酸合成酶还原酶(MTRR)基因的多态性与深静脉血栓形成的关系。方法采用病例对照的研究方法,以101例下肢深静脉血栓形成(DVT)患者与同期行健康体检的正常人群120例(对照组)的血白细胞为样本,应用等位基因序列特异性引物聚合酶链反应(PCR-SSP)多态性技术检测两组MTRR基因第66位点的多态性,分别比较每两组的基因型和等位基因的分布频率。结果 MTRR的66位点AA,AG和GG基因型频率在DVT组中分别为26.76%,43.66%和29.58%,在对照组中分别为43.57%,44.28%和12.14%,两组的分布频率差异无统计学意义(χ2=3.22,P0.05)。结论 MTRR基因A66G多态性在我国可能不是DVT的独立遗传危险因素。     

hsCRP基因突变与新疆农村维吾尔族慢性肾脏病的相关研究

目的:探讨慢性肾脏病非透析患者hs CRP基因启动子区域rs2808630、rs1205、rs2794520、rs1800947、rs1417938位点单核苷酸多态性的分布频率,进而探讨该基因多态性位点与新疆农村维吾尔族慢性肾脏病患病的关系。方法:87例慢性肾脏病非透析患者及298例健康者均测定血浆hs CRP,并应用SNa Pshot方法测定rs2808630、rs1205、rs2794520、rs1800947、rs1417938位点的基因型,并用等位基因特异性杂交分析法对hs CRP多态性位点进行分析。结果:hs CRP基因rs2794520位点基因型CT在CKD组出现的几率大于健康对照组(P0.05),基因型TT在CKD组中出现的几率小于健康对照组(P0.05);等位基因C和T CKD组与健康对照组差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。rs1205位点基因型CT在CKD组出现的几率大于健康对照组(P0.05),基因型TT在CKD组中出现的几率小于健康对照组(P0.05);等位基因C和T CKD组与健康对照组差异有统计学意义(P0.05),另rs1800947、rs2808630、rs1417938位点所检测出的基因型在慢性肾脏病患者组与健康对照组差异无统计学意义。单体型T-T-C-T-T在CKD组的频率小于健康对照组(P=0.02,OR=0.668,95%CI=0.470~0.949)。结论:hs CRP基因rs2808630、rs1205可能与新疆农村维吾尔族CKD患病易感性有关,单体型T-T-C-T-T有可能是新疆农村维吾尔族CKD患病的一个保护因素。     

Vitamin D Receptor Gene Bsm I polymorphism and the susceptibility to prostate cancer in North China Han population

Objective: To study the Bsm I single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of vitamin D receptor gene (VDRG) in low-risk Chinese Han population and its relationship to the susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: One hundred and three PCa patients and 106 normal controls from North China Han population were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained and genotyped for Bsm I SNP by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) methods. Results: There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotype and allele between the PCa patients and the normal controls (P>0.05). The frequencies for the bb, Bb and BB genotypes in PCa patients and normal controls were 92.23%/94.34 %, 7.77 %/5.66 %, and 0/0, respectively. The frequencies for B and b allele were 3.88 % and 96.12 %, and 2.91 % and 97.09 %, respectively. Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between the VDRG polymorphism and PCa in North China Han population. The distribution of VDRG Bsm I SNP varies in different ethnic popul     

儿茶酚-O-甲基转移酶基因多态性在新疆伊犁地区人群中的分布及与食管鳞癌的关系

目的 探讨儿茶酚-O-甲基转移酶(COMT)基因Vall58Met多态性在新疆伊犁地区人群中的分布及与食管鳞癌(ESCC)的关系.方法 研究对象共487例,包括169例ESCC,318例正常对照.采用病例-对照研究方法,以聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性方法(PCR-RFLP)分析COMT基因G/A(Val/Met)多态性.结果 487例新疆伊犁地区受试者COMT基因型频率分布依次为GG型50.7%,GA型41.1%,AA型8.2%;等位基因G为71.3%,A为28.7%;分层分析显示,新疆伊犁地区年龄≤60岁的ESCC组与对照组之间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);将年龄及性别校正后,ESCC组与对照组COMT Vall58Met多态性于哈族、汉族差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 COMT基因Vall58Met多态性可能不是新疆伊犁地区哈萨克族、汉族ESCC危险性的遗传标志.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the distribution of Vall58Met polymorphism in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene and its genetic susceptibility for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) of Yili population. Methods A case-control study was designed with 487 samples from 169 ESCC patients and 318 controls. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approaches. Results The frequencies of COMT Vall58Met polymorphism GG,GA and AA genotype were 50. 7% , 41. 1% and 8. 2% in all subjects, and the frequencies of allele were 71. 3% (G), 28. 7% (A). Stratified analysis by less than 60 years old showed that there were statistically significant differences in both frequencies of COMT Vall58Met polymorphism and allele between controls and ESCC group in Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang (P＜0. 05). After adjusting age and gender, there was no difference in Vall58Met polymorphism in Kazakh and Han ethnics between ESCC group and control group (P＞0. 05). Conclusion There was no association of genetic polymorphisms in the COMT Vall58Met with risk of ESCC of Kazakh and Han ethnics of Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang.     

Association of the vitamin D receptor gene start codon Fok I polymorphism with calcium oxalate stone disease

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of Fok I polymorphism (the most frequent polymorphism, at the start codon of the vitamin D receptor gene, VDR) as a convenient genetic marker in identifying the cause of urolithiasis. PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A normal control group of 90 healthy subjects and 146 patients with calcium oxalate stones were examined. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction analysis, the relationship between Fok I polymorphism and urolithiasis was evaluated. An unexcisable length of 265 bp was identified (allele CC) and two fragments (169 bp and 96 bp) identified as excisable lengths (allele TT). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (chi-square test, P < 0.05) for the genotype of the VDR Fok I start codon polymorphism. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the C allele in those at risk of stone disease was 1.672 (1.149-2.432). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the VDR Fok I start codon polymorphism may be a good candidate for a genetic marker in calcium oxalate stone disease.     

E-cadherin gene 3'-UTR C/T polymorphism is associated with prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION: E-cadherin (CDH-1) is a cell-cell adhesive molecule which maintains cell integrity and communication between the intracellular and extracellular world. CDH-1 may therefore be related to carcinogenesis. A polymorphism located at the 3'-UTR of the CDH-1 gene is associated with stone disease; however, its relationship to prostate cancer has not been reported. We aimed to study whether there is an association between the 3'-UTR polymorphism and prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected 96 patients with prostate cancer and 114 normal controls for this study. The polymorphism of the CDH-1 gene was studied by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in genotype distribution of the CDH-1 gene polymorphism between cancer patients and normal controls (p < 0.001). The distribution of the CDH-1 gene CC genotype in prostate cancer patients (51.0%) was higher than in the controls (10.5%). The odds ratio for the CDH-1 'C' allele was 2.896 (95% CI = 1.908-4.396). There was no significant difference according to age, pathological grading, clinical staging, and responsiveness to hormonal therapy among patients. Only 3 patients (3.1%) had a history of urolithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: The CDH-1 gene 3'-UTR C/T polymorphism is associated with prostate cancer. The 'CC' homozygote indicates a relatively higher risk for developing prostate cancer than other genotypes.     

北方汉族人群维生素D受体基因BsmⅠ位点多态性与前列腺癌易感性的相关性分析

目的 :研究低发病的中国汉族人群维生素D受体基因 (VDRG)BsmⅠ 位点单核苷酸多态性 (SNP)与前列腺癌的关系 ,探讨不同种族前列腺癌发病的基因差异。　方法 :收集中国北方地区汉族人群 10 3例前列腺癌病人及10 6例健康对照者外周血标本 ,应用变性高效液相色谱 (DHPLC)检测VDRG第 8内含子BsmⅠ多态位点 ,并对该位点SNP分布进行分析。　结果 :BsmⅠ 多态位点bb、Bb、BB基因型和等位基因在北方地区汉族前列腺癌病人及对照者中的分布频率差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,基因型分布频率分别为 92 .2 3%、7.77%、0和 94.34 %、5 .6 6 %、0 ;等位基因B、b分别为 3.88%、96 .12 %和 2 .91%、97.0 9%,而与高发病人群的分布相比有显著不同。　结论 :VDRGBsmⅠ多态性在低发病的中国汉族人群与前列腺癌无相关 ,其分布与高发病人群有明显差异 ,提示VDRGBsmⅠ多态性可能是前列腺癌发病种族差异的原因之一。     

北方汉族人群维生素D受体基因Bsm I位点多态性与前列腺癌易感性的相关性分析

目的 :研究低发病的中国汉族人群维生素D受体基因 (VDRG)BsmⅠ 位点单核苷酸多态性 (SNP)与前列腺癌的关系 ,探讨不同种族前列腺癌发病的基因差异。　方法 :收集中国北方地区汉族人群 10 3例前列腺癌病人及10 6例健康对照者外周血标本 ,应用变性高效液相色谱 (DHPLC)检测VDRG第 8内含子BsmⅠ多态位点 ,并对该位点SNP分布进行分析。　结果 :BsmⅠ 多态位点bb、Bb、BB基因型和等位基因在北方地区汉族前列腺癌病人及对照者中的分布频率差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,基因型分布频率分别为 92 .2 3%、7.77%、0和 94.34 %、5 .6 6 %、0 ;等位基因B、b分别为 3.88%、96 .12 %和 2 .91%、97.0 9%,而与高发病人群的分布相比有显著不同。　结论 :VDRGBsmⅠ多态性在低发病的中国汉族人群与前列腺癌无相关 ,其分布与高发病人群有明显差异 ,提示VDRGBsmⅠ多态性可能是前列腺癌发病种族差异的原因之一。     

Role of alpha-adducin DNA polymorphisms in the genetic predisposition to diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: There is substantial evidence for genetic susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy. In particular, genes that predispose to hypertension in the general population may confer susceptibility to nephropathy in patients with diabetes. A Gly460Trp variant in the alpha-adducin gene has been associated with essential hypertension. Our aim was to screen the alpha-adducin gene for polymorphisms and to determine if any variants predisposed patients with diabetes to nephropathy. A secondary objective was to assess for association between the Gly460Trp variant and hypertension. METHODS: The exons of the alpha-adducin gene were resequenced in 30 individuals. Selected variants were then genotyped in 155 patients with type 1 diabetes and nephropathy (cases) and 216 persons with type 1 diabetes but no evidence of nephropathy (controls) from Northern Ireland and in 95 cases and 118 controls from the Irish Republic. RESULTS: Eleven polymorphisms were detected, of which six were novel and three caused amino-acid substitutions. The Gly460Trp and a novel Ser617Cys polymorphism were in strong linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.98). Neither the genotype nor allele frequencies for the Gly460Trp polymorphism (P = 0.89 and 0.93 respectively) or the Ser617Cys polymorphism (P = 0.46 and 0.76) were significantly different between cases and controls when the Northern Ireland and Irish Republic sample groups were combined. Carriage of the 460Trp allele was not significantly associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure in either the cases (P = 0.48 and 0.06, respectively) or in the controls (P = 0.50 and 0.94, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Variation in the alpha-adducin gene does not play a major role in the development of nephropathy in persons with type 1 diabetes in the Irish population. Furthermore, the Gly460Trp variant was not associated with hypertension in this population.     

ACE gene polymorphism and renal scarring in primary vesicoureteric reflux

The objective of this study was to investigate whether mutations of the renin-angiotensin system genes are involved in primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) and VUR-associated renal scarring. The M235T polymorphism of the angiotensinogen ( ATG) gene, the I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme ( ACE) gene, and the A1166C polymorphism of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor ( AT1) gene were identified in 77 patients with primary VUR (aged 6.9+/-3.2 years, mean+/-SD) and 80 healthy controls (aged 33+/-7 years). Thirty-eight of the 77 VUR patients had low-grade VUR (grade I-III) and 39 had high-grade VUR (grade IV and V). Renal scarring was found in 43 VUR patients, while 34 patients had normal kidneys on dimercaptosuccinic acid scan. The ACE gene polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction and the ATG and AT1 gene polymorphisms were determined by single-step LightCycler technology. We found significant over-representation of the DD genotype in patients with renal scarring (44 %) compared with normal controls (23%, P<0.05) and patients with no scar formation (21%, P<0.05). Significantly higher D and significantly lower I allele frequencies were present in VUR patients with scarred kidneys (D allele 0.64 and I allele 0.36) compared with controls (D allele 0.53 and I allele 0.47, P<0.05) and patients with unscarred kidneys (D allele 0.4 and I allele 0.6, P<0.05). No differences in the ATG and AT1 genotype distributions and allele frequencies were observed in VUR patients compared with the normal population. The DD genotype and D allele of ACE may be a genetic susceptibility factor contributing to scar formation in VUR. We detected no linkage of genetic polymorphisms of ATG and AT1 to VUR and VUR-associated renal scarring.