Numerous genetic predisposition factors for rheumatic arthritis in adults and juveniles.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) are among the most common systemic autoimmune disorders in man. Both disease entities are characterised by inflammation of synovial tissues and by formation of rheumatoid pannus. Disease risk in siblings of affected individuals is 2-17 times higher, showing the importance of genetic contribution. RA appears as a complex disease, with multiple genes plus environmental factors influencing susceptibility. As the only predisposing genetic factors known so far are certain HLA-DRBI alleles. our goal was to evaluate further genetic variations that influence disease susceptibility. Besides HLA-DRBI types, >20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 12 genes and 5 microsatellite markers were genotyped each in at least 150 patients and 200 controls. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the patients and controls in the genes CTLA4, HLA-DRBI, MIF, NFKBIA, NFKBILI and TNFRSFIB. The microsatellile marker D17S795 also showed significant association in accordance with previously published linkage screens. In , the complex and differential genetic predisposition to RA and JRA is underscored in the newly investigated cohorts.