Human leukocyte antigen association with familial steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) is the most common form of nephrotic syndrome in childhood. Cases with the familial occurrence of SSNS suggest that genetics may play a role in the disease. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles have been associated with SSNS. We present genetic findings in nine families (44 participants), each with at least two affected siblings. A total of 19 patients were affected with familial SSNS. Six of nine families showed linkage to markers on chromosome 6p (27.29–33.97 Mbp) (Hg19), especially to markers D6S1629 and D6S1560 on HLA dense region in this location. Interestingly, we also found linkage of disease phenotype of familial SSNS on chromosome 15 (91.7–96.9 Mbp) (Hg19) with a logarithm of odds (LOD) score Z = 3.02. Conclusion: Our findings confirm the linkage of HLA markers on chromosome 6, which strengthens the association of HLA alleles in SSNS.