Study of PADI4 Variability in German Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Hoppe Berthold, Häupl Thomas, Gruber Rudolf, Kiesewetter Holger, Burmester Gerd R, Salama Abdulgabar, Dörner Thomas
Primary Institution: Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
Variability of the PADI4 gene may influence susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in the German population.
Conclusion
The study found a significant association between PADI4 haplotype 4 and rheumatoid arthritis in German patients, but no influence on disease activity or anti-CCP levels.
Supporting Evidence
- PADI4 haplotype 4 was found in 14.7% of RA patients compared to 7.8% of controls.
- The presence of the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope was significantly associated with higher anti-CCP levels.
- Three SNPs (padi4_89, padi4_90, padi4_94) were significantly associated with RA.
Takeaway
This study looked at a gene called PADI4 to see if it makes people more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis. They found that one version of this gene is more common in people with the disease.
Methodology
The study analyzed exons 2–4 of PADI4 in 102 RA patients and 102 healthy controls using haplotype-specific DNA sequencing.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the homogeneous Caucasian population.
Limitations
The study's sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
102 RA patients (median age 47 years, 75% women) and 102 healthy controls (median age 40 years, 57% women).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
1.1–3.8
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website