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However , some people are born with mutations in one or both genes , and having mutations in both can increase the risk of developing kidney disease and even kidney failure .
In honor of National AMKD Awareness Day on April 30 , consider this information from the experts at the American Kidney Fund to better understand the disease and become APOL1 aware .
Understanding Risk Factors
Research shows Black people with kidney disease are more likely to develop kidney failure than any other racial or ethnic group .
The reasons for these health disparities include social determinants of health , a higher burden of
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diabetes and high blood pressure in the Black community , barriers to health care access and genetics .
The APOL1 gene mutations evolved over the past 3,000-10,000 years in people who lived in western and central Africa and are associated with increased protection from a parasite carried by the tse tse fly that causes African sleeping sickness . While protecting from one disease , the mutation – if inherited in both APOL1 genes – is more likely to lead to kidney disease in those of certain African descent , including people who identify as Black , African American , Afro-Caribbean or Latina or Latino .
In fact , an estimated 13 % of Black Americans have
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two APOL1 gene mutations , according to the American Kidney Fund . While not everyone who has two APOL1 mutations will get kidney disease , there is a 1 in 5 chance they will go on to develop AMKD .
Identifying Symptoms
If you have kidney damage , symptoms may not occur until your kidneys are close to failing . As kidney damage worsens , one or more of these symptoms may occur :
• Protein in urine
• Swelling in legs or weight gain
• Feeling weak or tired
• High blood pressure
Should these symptoms occur and you have a family history of kidney disease , talk to a doctor
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about getting tested for kidney disease , as testing is the only way to determine kidney function . AMKD can cause damage to parts of the kidney that filter blood or , in some cases , cause cells in the kidneys to die , which can lead to damage and scarring that may eventually lead to kidney failure .
Getting a Diagnosis
The only way to know if you have APOL1 gene mutations is to do genetic testing via a blood or saliva sample . Genetic testing may be considered if you have kidney disease and don ’ t know the cause or if you ’ re considering donating a kidney . Testing may also be considered if a family member is carrier for the mutation . If you have
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