A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the 4b/a, G894T, and C786T polymorphisms of eNOS and SLE and lupus nephritis (LN) (when available) using (1) the allele contrast, (2) the recessive, (3) the dominant, and (4) the additive models.
Association of the nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism with increased risk for both lupus glomerulonephritis and rheumatoid arthritis in a single genetically homogeneous population.
We hypothesized that polymorphisms in the genes coding for ACE and eNOS may influence the development and/or progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis given their linkage with other renal diseases.
In conclusion, our data show that the eNOS ab genotypes may be associated with the development of lupus nephritis, suggesting individuals who carry the 'a' allele are more susceptible to lupus nephritis than those with the 'b' allele.