Low copy number of the FCGR3B gene and rheumatoid arthritis: a case control study and meta-analysis
IntroductionLow copy number (CN) of the Fc gamma receptor 3B (FCGR3B) gene has been associated with systemic autoimmune disease. This receptor for IgG is present almost exclusively on neutrophils and plays a role in their interaction with immune complexes.
At present the relationship between FCGR3B and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether low CN of the FCGR3B gene is associated with susceptibility to RA.MethodFCGR3B CN was determined using a custom Taqman(R) copy number assay (Applied Biosystems, Hs04211858) in 197 RA patients, recruited from a tertiary setting, and 162 population matched controls.
Odds ratios for low CN (<2) and high CN (>2), both relative to the normal diploid two CN, were estimated by logistic regression.
Results:
A significant association between RA and low FCGR3B CN was observed, with frequencies of 13.7% in RA patients compared to 6.2% in controls (OR 2.5 95%CI 1.2-5.4 p=0.017). No association was observed between low CN and the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP antibodies or radiographic erosions in RA patients.
A meta-analysis, including six previous studies, confirmed an association between RA and low FCGR3B CN (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13, 1.92, p = 0.004)
Conclusions:
This study confirms that low CN of the FCGR3B gene is associated with susceptibility to RA. The association may be stronger in patients recruited from a tertiary setting, which may relate to disease severity and/or complications.
The mechanism of susceptibility remains unclear and further study is required.
Author: Scott W GrafSue LesterHans NossentCatherine L HillSusanna ProudmanAnita LeeMaureen Rischmueller
Credits/Source: Arthritis Research &Therapy 2012, 14:R28
Published on: 2012-02-07
Copyright by the authors listed above - made available via BioMedCentral (Open Access). Please
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