# Genetic Factors Related to the Development or Progression of Mesoamerican Endemic Nephropathy

## TL;DR

This paper explores how genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to the development and progression of Mesoamerican endemic nephropathy, a kidney disease affecting parts of Mexico and Central America.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in both early and late stages of Mesoamerican endemic nephropathy.

## Key findings

- Genetic factors may accelerate kidney disease deterioration through endothelial dysfunction and tubulopathy.
- Some genetic factors are linked to early kidney damage, even before occupational exposure.
- Certain factors may reduce the risk of developing the disease in high-prevalence areas.

## Abstract

Over the past two decades, Mesoamerican endemic nephropathy (MeN) has become a major public health problem in certain regions of Mexico and Central American countries. The etiology of this disease is multifactorial, and important environmental factors have been described, such as chronic heat stress, recurrent episodes of dehydration, infections, and exposure to toxins of chemical and biological origin. Genetic and epigenetic factors have been proposed to play significant roles in MeN. Recent studies have analyzed the role of these factors in MeN. In some cases, these factors appear to be associated with accelerated deterioration of established kidney disease due to preexisting endothelial dysfunction and tubulopathy. In other cases, they appear to be associated with early kidney damage, even before occupational exposure, suggesting that they may play a relevant role in the genesis of the disease. Other factors appear to act as risk reducers for developing MeN in areas with a high prevalence of the disease. Therefore, this disease has a rather complex multifactorial etiology, with possible polygenic contributions, possible epigenetic phenomena, and multiple environmental factors.