Genetic Factors and Smoking Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Costenbader Karen H, Chang Shun-Chiao, De Vivo Immaculata, Plenge Robert, Karlson Elizabeth W
Primary Institution: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
Are polymorphisms in PTPN22, PADI-4, and CTLA-4 associated with rheumatoid arthritis risk in women, particularly in relation to smoking?
Conclusion
PTPN22 is associated with increased rheumatoid arthritis risk among Caucasian women, especially in those who smoke heavily.
Supporting Evidence
- PTPN22 was associated with increased RA risk with a pooled odds ratio of 1.46.
- The risk was stronger for RF-positive than RF-negative RA.
- A significant multiplicative interaction between PTPN22 and smoking for more than 10 pack-years was observed.
- CTLA-4 and PADI-4 genotypes were not associated with RA risk in the pooled results.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific gene can increase the risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis, especially if you smoke a lot.
Methodology
The study used a nested case-control design within two cohorts of women, analyzing genetic polymorphisms and their interactions with smoking.
Potential Biases
Potential population stratification exists despite efforts to control for it.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data for some variables and did not follow participants longitudinally for RA disease activity.
Participant Demographics
Caucasian women aged 30 to 55 years in NHS and 25 to 42 years in NHSII.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
1.02 to 2.08
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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