Association of the 6q23 region with the rate of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

BackgroundTwo novel genetic polymorphisms on chromosome 6q23 are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both polymorphisms (rs6920220 and rs10499194) reside in a region close to the gene encoding tumour necrosis factor α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3). TNFAIP3 is a negative regulator of NF-κB and is involved in inhibiting TNF-receptor-mediated signalling effects. Interestingly, the initial associations were detected in patients with longstanding RA. However, no association was found for rs10499194 in a Swedish cohort with early arthritis. This might be caused by over-representation of patients with severe disease in cohorts with longstanding RA.ObjectiveTo analyse the effect of the 6q23 region on the rate of joint destruction.MethodsFive single nucleotide polymorphisms in 6q23 were genotyped in 324 Dutch patients with early RA. Genotypes were correlated with progression of radiographic joint damage for a follow-up time of 5 years.ResultsTwo polymorphisms (rs675520 and rs9376293) were associated with severity of radiographic joint damage in patients positive for anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPA). Importantly, the effects were present after correction for confounding factors such as secular trends in treatment.ConclusionsThese data associate the 6q23 region with the rate of joint destruction in ACPA+ RA.