AMKD Awareness Day: Facts to Know About APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease

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What to Know About APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD)

APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease, or AMKD, is a type of kidney disease mostly seen in people with African ancestry. It’s caused by changes in the APOL1 gene, which can raise the risk of kidney damage and even kidney failure.

History of APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease

It was not until 2010 that scientists discovered how certain changes in the APOL1 gene raise the risk of kidney disease. These changes once helped protect people from African sleeping sickness, a deadly disease spread by tsetse flies. But when someone inherits two risky APOL1 variants—one from each parent—it may lead to serious kidney problems.

In an effort to raise awareness around the disease, the American Kidney Fund recognizes the final Tuesday in National Minority Health Month as AMKD Awareness Day. In 2025, AMKD Awareness Day occurs on April 29.

6 Key Facts About AMKD

Prevalence in African Americans -
Approximately 13% of African Americans carry two high-risk APOL1 variants, putting them at increased risk for kidney disease.

Risk Requires Two Variants -
Individuals must inherit two APOL1 risk variants (one from each parent) to be at increased risk for AMKD. Having only one variant does not appear to increase risk.

Silent Progression
- AMKD often progresses without noticeable symptoms until advanced stages, making early detection challenging.

Genetic Testing is Essential
- Standard blood or urine tests cannot detect APOL1 risk variants. Genetic testing is the only way to determine if someone carries the high-risk variants.

Not Lifestyle-Related -
AMKD is a genetic condition and is not caused by lifestyle choices such as diet or exercise habits.

Disproportionate Impact
- African Americans are nearly four times more likely to develop kidney failure than white Americans, partly due to the prevalence of APOL1 risk variants.

AMKD vs. Other Kidney Diseases

Prevalence: About 1 in 8 African Americans carry two risky APOL1 variants—roughly 4 million people. Not all will develop AMKD, but the risk is higher.

Cause: While most kidney disease is linked to high blood pressure or diabetes, AMKD is purely genetic.

Disparity: African Americans are almost 4 times more likely to suffer kidney failure than white Americans, in part due to APOL1.

Helpful Resources:

American Kidney Fund – APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Comprehensive information about AMKD, genetic risk, and patient support.

National Kidney Foundation – APOL1 and Kidney Disease
Patient-friendly overview of how APOL1 affects kidney health.