NOD2 allele variants in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Recent reports have proven the importance of genetic factors and inflammation in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the current study, the frequency of NOD2/CARD15 gene variants (R702W, G908R, and L1007fsinsC) was examined in a group of 243 RA patients and 220 healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences in distribution of NOD2 variant alleles between RA patients and controls. Moreover, there was no significant association between NOD2 variant alleles and joint erosions, extraarticular manifestations, rheumatoid factor, number of swollen and tender joints, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The results of the present study suggest that NOD2 allele variants have no significant influence on RA susceptibility, activity, and severity.