Background: P-glycoprotein encoded by MDR1 (ABCB1) gene acts as a transmembrane transporter for a great number of xenobiotics, including immunosuppressive drugs used in treatment of renal transplant patients. Some of MDR1 gene polymorphisms are reported to affect P-glycoprotein activity, thus, they may influence renal graft survival.
Material/Methods: A total of 98 renal transplant recipients and 260 healthy
individuals were studied for three MDR1 polymorphisms determining major
haplotypes in Caucasian population, 1236C>T, 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T.
Genotyping was based on PCR-RFLP analysis. Phase program was used for
haplotype analysis. Frequencies of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes were
analyzed by Chi-square test with Yates correction.
Results: Allelic frequency and genotype distribution were similar in control and patient groups, except for a significant difference noted between control and a patient subgroup with no sign of graft rejection in a case of the variant 3435C>T. Distribution of haplotypes 1236-2677-3435 and major diplotypes also markedly differed between these two groups.
Conclusions: The preliminary data on MDR1 polymorphisms, major haplotypes and diplotypes among renal transplant patients suggest their potential association with some clinical observations.

Keywords: Kidney Transplantation