Genetic Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Amos Christopher I, Chen Wei Vivien, Remmers Elaine, Siminovitch Katherine A, Seldin Michael F, Criswell Lindsey A, Lee Annette T, John Sally, Shephard Neil D, Worthington Jane, Cornelis Francois, Plenge Robert M, Begovich Ann B, Dyer Thomas D, Kastner Daniel L, Gregersen Peter K
Primary Institution: University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Hypothesis
What are the genetic and environmental risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
The study identifies various genetic factors and environmental influences, such as smoking, that contribute to the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Supporting Evidence
- Rheumatoid arthritis has a moderately strong genetic component.
- Smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by about two-fold.
- Specific autoantibodies like anti-CCP are better predictors of disease severity.
Takeaway
Researchers looked at families with rheumatoid arthritis to find out what genes and behaviors might make people more likely to get the disease.
Methodology
Data were collected from multiple centers using SNP and microsatellite genotyping for linkage analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of families with other autoimmune diseases.
Limitations
The study primarily included affected sib-pairs and lacked data from unaffected relatives.
Participant Demographics
Approximately 90% of families studied were Caucasian, with a median age of onset around 39 years.
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