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Collapsing Glomerulopathy and APOL1 High-Risk Genotype Associated with Covid-19

By Dr. Rebecca May

Sep 29, 2021

Dr. May and Dr. Larsen discuss Covid-19 and its effect on collapsing glomerulopathy and APOL1 in Episode 3 of Arkana Advances.

Collapsing glomerulopathy is a variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in which there is capillary loop collapse and epithelial cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. There is rapid progression to end-stage renal disease. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, these publications demonstrated for the first time that collapsing glomerulopathy is seen in African American patients with COVID-19 infection, and is associated with an APOL1 High-Risk genotype. Direct viral infection of the kidney parenchyma was not identified. NanoString analysis showed activation of genes involved in tubular injury, as well as chemokines/cytokines and immunoglobulin.  These findings are similar to that seen in HIV-associated nephropathy, wherein patients with an APOL1 high-risk genotype, HIV serves as a “second hit” to initiate collapsing glomerulopathy. Multiple publications have since confirmed, on a larger scale, the association of COVID-19 and collapsing glomerulopathy.

Read the papers: Collapsing Glomerulopathy in a patient with COVID-19 and AKI and Collapsing Glomerulopathy Associated with COVID-19 and APOL1 High-Risk Genotype

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Quick note: This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Each person should consult their own doctor with respect to matters referenced. Arkana Laboratories assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.