Abstract
The HLA-DR4 gene complex plays a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Auto-antibodies are a prominent serum feature of RA. In this study we explored the correlation of the HLA-DR4 gene complex with rheumatoid factor, anti-RA33/36 antibody, anti-keratin antibody (AKA) and anti-perinuclear factor (APF) in RA patients. Forty-five RA patients were involved in this study. The PCR-SSP method was used to examine the DR4 gene complex. Anti-RA33/36 antibody and RF were tested by Western blot and latex agglutination test respectively. AKA and APF were tested by the indirect immunofluorescence method. The DR4 gene complex is present in 60% of our patients. RF positivity was 68.9%. DR4(+) patients had a higher RF positive rate (66.7%) than DR4(−) patients (33.3%) (P<0.05). Anti-RA33/36 antibody was positive in 37.8% patients. It was present in 33.3% DR4(+) patients and in 38.9% DR4(−) patients. There was no significant difference. AKA (1∶80) was positive in 28.9% of our patients. It was present in 33.3% DR4(+) patients and in 22.2% DR4(−) patients. No significant difference could be found. APF could be detected in 53.3% of these patients. It was positive in 51.9% DR4(+) patients and 55.5% DR4(−) patients. There was no significant difference. In addition, no association could be found between RF, anti-RA33/36 antibody, AKA and APF. Therefore, although DR4 is an important indicator for severe RA and poor prognosis, it is only associated with RF. Moreover, no correlation could be found between these auto-antibodies.
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Xinping, T., Jibo, W., Fulin, T. et al. Association of the HLA-DR4 gene complex with auto-antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Japanese Journal of Rheumatology 9, 219–227 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03041279
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03041279