Abstract:
Purpose:The aim of this study was to explore the association between promotor polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) gene and disease activity,clinical parameters and response to different treatments in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Materials and methods:We analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (-308,-238 and -857) in TNF-α gene in 65 patients with active RA who were treated with DMARD or anti-TNF therapy and in 70 control ones who had no rheumatologic problems.TNF-α genotyping were performed by the PCR-RFLP method.Clinical responses were compared by using disease activity score,VAS and health assessment questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Results:A significant positive association was observed at TNF-857 CC genotype in RA patients (p=0.046). At the six months the mean VAS,HAQ and DAS 28 improvement was not significant among groups.Improvement in DAS score was significantly better in -308 GG genotype than -308 AG genotype in anti-TNF subgroup. Conclusion:Our results suggest that TNF-857 CC genotype may be associated with susceptibility to disease and polymorphism in TNF-308 genotype may have an effect in response to therapy.Further studies should be warranted to establish TNF-α polymorphisms and susceptibility and response to treatment inrheumatoid arthritis patients.
