OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We studied HLA-DMA and DMB alleles in 153 patients with RA and 138 healthy controls using the amplification created restriction site method and digestion with restriction enzymes. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in frequencies of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles between patients with RA and controls. The HLA-DMA and DMB alleles were not related to extraarticular involvement, seropositivity for rheumatoid factor, or bone erosion. There was also no significant difference in frequencies of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles among DR4-positive and DR4-negative patients and controls. CONCLUSION: HLA-DMA and DMB do not appear to be associated with the pathogenesis of RA.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We studied HLA-DMA and DMB alleles in 153 patients with RA and 138 healthy controls using the amplification created restriction site method and digestion with restriction enzymes. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in frequencies of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles between patients with RA and controls. The HLA-DMA and DMB alleles were not related to extraarticular involvement, seropositivity for rheumatoid factor, or bone erosion. There was also no significant difference in frequencies of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles among DR4-positive and DR4-negative patients and controls. CONCLUSION:HLA-DMA and DMB do not appear to be associated with the pathogenesis of RA.
Authors: M L Sanchez; K Katsumata; T Atsumi; F I Romero; M L Bertolaccini; A Funke; O Amengual; E Kondeatis; R W Vaughan; A Cox; G R V Hughes; M A Khamashta Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2004-12 Impact factor: 19.103