Accra: Head of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Ghana Medical School, Professor Vincent Boima, has released new findings linking ethnic groups to genetic risk factors for kidney disease in West Africa. Speaking to Citi FM after his inaugural lecture titled 'From Genes to Minds: Holistic Pathways to Precision Kidney Care in Africa', Professor Boima said the Akan ethnic group is more likely to carry dangerous kidney disease variants compared to the Gas and Ewes.
According to Ghana Web, Professor Boima's research extends beyond Ghana's borders, revealing similar patterns of genetic disparity in Nigeria, where certain ethnic groups appear more vulnerable to kidney disease. "We showed an equal distribution among the ethnic groups in Ghana, with the Akans having a higher proportion of high-risk variants for APOL1 compared to the Gas and the Ewes. We found similar ethnic disparity in Nigeria where Igbos were more likely to have higher-risk variants for the gene compared to Yorubas and Fulanis," he disclosed.
Professor Boima highlighted that scientists are still working to understand why certain groups in Africa face higher risks of kidney disease. While the exact reason for the disparity is not yet clear, evidence suggests that genetics play a major role. "The explanation of this disparity is not clear to us, but what we understand is that these genes seem to be explaining excess risk of kidney disease among young people who are afflicted to [certain tribes] in our part of the world," he said.
He further emphasized the importance of identifying high-risk groups and individuals with two risk variants to provide tailor-made precision treatments that could improve outcomes. Professor Boima expressed hope about new treatments in development, particularly those targeting the APOL1 gene, which is linked to kidney disease. "Especially when drugs become available to block this gene, it will be very good for these particular populations that are at high risk of getting APOL1-related kidney diseases," he added.
The APOL1 (Apolipoprotein L1) gene, part of the body's natural defense system, has two variants, G1 and G2, which became common in West African populations centuries ago. In modern times, these variants have become major risk factors for kidney disease. Carrying two high-risk APOL1 variants significantly increases the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially non-diabetic forms such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and hypertension-related kidney damage.
Large-scale studies under the H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network and NIH collaborations revealed that nearly one-third of West Africans carry these high-risk variants. This genetic factor helps explain why chronic kidney disease often affects younger, working-age adults in the region at unusually high rates, even without traditional risk factors like diabetes or hypertension.
Head of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Ghana Medical School, Vincent Boima, says research has found that Akans are more likely to carry high-risk gene variants linked to kidney disease compared to Gas and Ewes in Ghana.