[Influence of genetic factors on development and severity of rheumatoid arthritis--part II]

Abstract

In our previous paper we have presented recent advances in the knowledge of the genetic risk factors predisposing to rheumatoid arthritis development. In contrast to the progress that has been made in identification of genes responsible for susceptibility to RA, there is still little known about genetic risk factors of the more aggressive and (or) refractory RA. In this part of our review we present a detailed knowledge of the role of genetic factors in severity of RA. Gene polymorphisms of the TNF-alpha gene (-238G/A, -308G/A, +489G/ A), IL-1beta gene (-11C/T, +3953C/T), IL-4 gene (-590C/T), MMP genes (-1607 ins1G/del2G, -1612 ins/del A) and TRAF1/C5 genes region (rs 10818488) are among the most intensively investigated HLA independent genetic risk factors of the severe course of RA.