The association between integrin subunit alpha V and vascular endothelial growth factor A polymorphisms and peritoneal dialysis adequacy

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease often progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating renal replacement therapies such as peritoneal dialysis (PD). Long-term PD is frequently associated with inflammation, which can affect dialysis efficacy and patient outcomes. Genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in the inflammation and vascular function, including integrin subunit alpha V (ITGAV) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), may influence PD outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the correlation between ITGAV (rs39111238, rs3738919, rs3768777) and VEGFA (rs699947, rs3025039, rs833061) polymorphisms, and their influence on renal-peritoneal Kt/V and PD outcomes. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 46 ESRD patients undergoing chronic PD at Shahid Modarres hospital in Tehran (2020–2021) were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and peritoneal membrane transport was assessed using the peritoneal equilibration test (PET). Patients were categorized as high (HT) or low (LT) transporters. Genotyping for ITGAV (rs39111238, rs3738919, rs3768777) and VEGFA (rs699947, rs3025039, rs833061) polymorphisms was conducted using sequencing methods. Associations between genotypes and dialysis adequacy were considered. Results: Among 46 participants, 21 were high transporters and 25 were low transporters. A significant association was observed between VEGFA rs3025039 and PET classification, while no patients carrying the CC genotype among high transporters. In addition, VEGFA rs833061 TT genotype was positively associated with renal Kt/V (B = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.11–1.75). Moreover, no significant associations were found for ITGAV polymorphisms. Conclusion: VEGFA polymorphisms, particularly rs3025039 and rs833061, may influence peritoneal membrane transport and dialysis adequacy in PD patients. Further studies with larger cohorts and broader genetic screening are warranted to validate these findings.