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African-specific variants at the GATM locus and genetic bias in creatinine-based GFR estimation

Key takeaways

This study explains why kidney function tests can be less accurate for people of African ancestry. A specific gene change causes the body to make more creatinine, a waste product. This raises the creatinine level in the blood without actually changing how well the kidneys filter. The result is that standard tests may underestimate kidney function in these patients. This finding helps doctors interpret test results more fairly.

Source

Paper · Kidney International · 2026-10-01
https://www.kidney-international.org/article/S0085-2538(26)00632-0/fulltext?rss=yes