HLA DQA1-0501 AND DQB1-0201 ALLELES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) system is the loci of genes that encode for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in humans. The expression of HLA Class II molecules on most cell types in later stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is both a hallmark of activation and indicates the significance of these molecules in the onset and progression of RA. In the current study an attempt is made to check any possible association between HLA DQA1-0501 and DQB1-0201 alleles and progress of RA in South Indian population. The study was conducted on 154 subjects of which 84 are RA patients and 70 age and sex matched controls. HLA DQA1-0501 and DQB1-0201 alleles were amplified using sequence specific primers. The amplified product for different samples were separated by a 1.5% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide and then photographed. All statistical analyses were carried out using SYSTAT 12 software.  Fifty seven RA patients expressed HLA DQA1-0501 allele and 66 expressed HLA DQB1-0201. In controls, of the total seventy, 42 expressed HLA DQA1-0501 and 53 expressed HLA DQB1-0201 allele. The results of X2 analysis suggests no significant heterogeneity between patients and controls. Odds ratio was also calculated for the two alleles which suggests no significant association between HLA DQA1-0501 & HLA DQB1-0201 alleles and RA. It is concluded that HLA DQA1-0501 & HLA DQB1-0201 alleles are not associated with progression of RA.