REVIEW - Genetic influences modulating the radiological severity of RA

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Ann Rheum Dis doi:10.1136/ard.2009.117721

Clinical and epidemiological research

Concise report

Genetic influences modulating the radiological severity of rheumatoid arthritis

I Marinou, J R Maxwell, A G

+ Author Affiliations

Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Royal

Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK

, Rheumatology Unit, Medical School, University of Sheffield,

Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.

Abstract

This review focuses on the contribution of genetic markers to the

severity of radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Currently available biomarkers of more severe disease include elevated

erythrocyte sedimentation rates or C-reactive protein levels and

rheumatoid factor (RF) or anticyclic citrullinated protein antibodies

positivity; however, these biomarkers explain a relatively modest

proportion of the variance in radiological damage. An important role

of genetic factors on RA severity has recently emerged but studies to

date have generally been of low statistical power and many have not

been replicated. Genetic markers have a number of advantages over

conventional biomarkers; genotypes are stable, measurable at disease

onset, remain unchanged by treatment and are amenable to

high-throughput assays. The recent advances in genome-wide genetic

analysis should lead to a more comprehensive understanding of RA

severity genes. This knowledge could be used, along with existing

biomarkers, to therapeutically target subjects at risk of poor

radiological outcome.

http://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2010/01/21/ard.2009.117721.abstract?papetoc

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