Linkage Analysis of Anti-CCP Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Yang Xiaohong R, Kerstann Kimberly F, Bergen Andrew W, Goldstein Alisa M, Goldin Lynn R
Primary Institution: Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
Can analyzing anti-CCP levels improve the power of linkage analysis in rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
Linkage analyses of anti-CCP levels may help identify rheumatoid arthritis genes, but quantitative analyses did not enhance the power to detect linkage compared to RA analysis.
Supporting Evidence
- Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis and correlate with disease severity.
- Linkage analysis showed improved signals for dichotomized anti-CCP levels compared to clinical diagnosis alone.
- Quantitative trait analyses did not improve power to detect linkage compared to RA analysis.
Takeaway
This study looked at a specific blood marker in people with rheumatoid arthritis to see if it could help find genes related to the disease. They found that just looking at the marker didn't make it easier to find those genes.
Methodology
The study analyzed anti-CCP antibody levels using SNP scans from NARAC families, comparing different methods of analysis including dichotomized, categorical, and continuous traits.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the specific population and the complexity of rheumatoid arthritis.
Participant Demographics
The study included 746 families with 1794 affected individuals, primarily Caucasian, with a skewed distribution of anti-CCP levels.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001 for male sex and ever smoking association with anti-CCP values
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