Polymorphism of host response genes: Implications in the pathogenesis and treatment of acute renal failure

This review summarizes the existing experimental and clinical studies supporting the role of inflammation in ARF and critically appraises studies that have examined polymorphism of immune response genes as potential determinants of susceptibility to and severity of acute inflammatory disorders. Conclusions are drawn on the application of genetic epidemiology to the field of ARF and the rationale for further research on the role of genetic markers in ARF.