The +49A>G CTLA-4 polymorphism is associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Mexican population

Abstract

Background: The Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA-4) is one of the major susceptibility genes associated with autoimmune diseases. Susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is determined by both environmental and genetic factors. The genetic contribution approaches 50-60%. The association between RA with the +. 49A>G CTLA-4 polymorphism in the Mexican population was investigated. Methods: The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment was used to amplify the +. 49A>G CTLA-4 polymorphism in RA patients and healthy subjects (HS). Results: We analyzed the association between the +. 49A>G CTLA-4 polymorphism and RA. The G allele frequency was higher in RA patients than HS (46.8 vs 37.7%, OR=1.45, p=0.01). RA patients carrying the A/G genotype were significantly more likely to be positive to CRP and RF. There was no evidence of an association between SNP genotypes and the clinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusions: The +. 49A>G CTLA-4 polymorphism is a genetic marker of susceptibility for RA in western Mexican population. � 2010 Elsevier B.V.