Genetic determinants of chronic kidney disease attending a tertiary care hospital in the northwestern part of India

Background and objectives Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a growing public health concern in several parts of India, particularly in hot and arid regions. The present study aims to explore the genetic determinants contributing to CKD in Northwestern India, focusing on genes involved in calcium-oxalate metabolism and renal fibrosis. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 43 participants were enrolled and divided into four groups: Group 1 (n=11; mean age 51.36±11.95 y) with CKD due to diabetes or hypertension, Group 2 (n=10; mean age 48.90±14.69 y) with bilateral nephrolithiasis, Group 3 (n=10; mean age 37.70±11.14 y) with CKD of unknown cause, and Group 4 (n=12; mean age 51.78±13.65 y) as healthy controls. The gene expression levels of ORAI1, HOGA1, KIM1 , and FN1 were evaluated across the different CKD groups. Results ORAI1 gene expression was detected in 72.7% of Group 1, 60% of Group 2, 70% of Group 3, and none in controls. The mean expression levels were comparable across CKD groups: 31.52±3.21 (Group 1), 31.25±2.83 (Group 2), and 27.68±3.49 (Group 3). HOGA1 gene expression was observed in 27.3% of Group 1, 30% of Group 2, 20% of Group 3, and was absent in controls. The mean expression levels were similar across groups: 32.94±1.29 (Group 1), 31.96±2.41 (Group 2), and 29.68±4.50 (Group 3). KIM1 and FN1 gene expression patterns were also comparable across all CKD groups, with no statistically significant differences observed. Interpretations and conclusions The evaluated genes ( ORA-1, HOGA-1, KIM-1, and FN-1 ) showed no significant association with CKD or nephrolithiasis, and their expression profiles remained consistent across the CKD subgroups.