Genes And Smoking Play Role In Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Genes And Smoking Play Role In Rheumatoid Arthritis

ScienceDaily (June 2, 2009) — Recent genetic studies have revealed

several new sites of genes that are risk factors for developing

rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The strongest association with anti-

citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive RA (ACPAs are

autoantibodies detected in RA that are used as a major diagnostic

tool) has been found for the HLA-DRB1 gene, and this site seems to

play a central role in susceptibility to the disease in Caucasian

populations.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182918.htm

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