Polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor gene that modulate glucocorticoid sensitivity are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) plays an important regulatory role in the immune system. Four polymorphisms in the GR gene are associated with differences in glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity; the minor alleles of the polymorphisms N363 S and BclI are associated with relative hypersensitivity to GCs, while those of the polymorphisms ER22/23EK and 9β are associated with relative GC resistance. Because differences in GC sensitivity may influence immune effector functions, we examined whether these polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and RA disease severity.

Methods

The presence of GR polymorphisms was assessed in healthy controls (n = 5033), and in RA patients (n = 368). A second control group (n = 532) was used

SUBMITTER: van Oosten MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2945062 | biostudies-literature | 2010

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature