Gc (vitamin D binding protein) subtypes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Two hundred and six patients with rheumatoid arthritis were examined for their association with the subtypes of Gc (vitamin D binding protein). In patient groups there is 11% excess of individuals with Gc*2 allele compared to the control group, giving a relative risk of 1.55. This risk increases with the humoral status of the individual. A possible physiological basis between the association of vitamin D binding protein and rheumatoid arthritis is discussed.