Gene polymorphisms in renal transplantation.

A vast majority of gene polymorphism studies in renal transplantation focus on short-term outcomes such as acute rejection. The main purpose of this article is to review the literature available and studies that have examined the association between the gene polymorphisms and long-term renal allograft functions. In this review, we focus on commonly reported genes in the renin angiotensin system, transforming growth factor-beta gene, and metalloproteinases on the incidence and progression of chronic renal allograft dysfunction.