Correlations Between TIMD-4 Gene Variants and the Risk and Clinical Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Chinese Population.

INTRODUCTION

T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-4 (TIMD-4) are likely to impact autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis (RA)). It is hypothesized here that gene polymorphism is likely to display a correlation with the RA risk.

METHODS

For examining the effect exerted by genetic variant in the RA risk, a case-control study containing 379 RA cases and 432 healthy control groups in Chinese population was performed. This study conducted genotyping with the use of a custom-by-design 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Scan™ Kit. Blood serum conditions of TIMD-4 in RA cases and matched control groups were measured by enzyme-connected immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that the rs7700944 polymorphism could increase the RA risk in Chinese population. According to stratification analyzing processes, the rs7700944 polymorphism displayed the correlation to the elevated RA risk in the females, smokers and cases aged ≥55 years. Cross-over analyses also indicated that the combined effect of smoking or drinking and GA genotype of rs7700944 locus contributed to an elevated risk of RA. In addition, the rs7700944 polymorphism was also related to RA cases with DAS ≥ 3.20, ESR ≥25.00 mm/h and positive anti-ccp. Moreover, compared with the control groups, the average expression level of TIMD-4 in the serum of RA cases was apparently increased.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the rs7700944 polymorphism may increase the sensitivity to RA in Chinese population.