ab215016

Non-HLA gene polymorphisms in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

P. Rosen, S. Thompson, D. Glass

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

ABSTRACT
A substantial amount of work has gone into elucidating the non-HLA genetic associations in JRA. In this paper, we attempt to provide an overview of this body of knowledge. Direct comparison of the different studies is difficult. Different ethnic populations, different JRA/JIA subgroups, and different systems of nomenclature and classification all impose various limitations. Adding to the complexity is the polygenic nature of chronic childhood arthritis. Family based studies will be necessary to overcome ethnicity related issues. A candidate gene approach complemented by genome wide screen data will hopefully advance our know-ledge of the genetics of JRA.

Key words
JRA/JIA, susceptibility, non-HLA, genetics.

Abbreviations:
OR (odds ratio);
RR (relative risk);
SOJRA (systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis);
SAA (serum amyloid A protein);
Ig (Immunoglobulin);
JCA (juvenile chronic arthritis);
JCP (juvenile chronic polyarthritis);
JIA (juvenile idiopathic arthritis);
JRA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis);
EOPA (early-onset pacuciarticular);
HLA (human leukocyte antigen);
HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal);
HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal);
CRH (coricotrophin-releasing hormone);
ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1);
PRL (prolactin);
IFNA1 (interferon-a1);
IFNG (interferon-g);
SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism).

*Odds ratios calculated by Rosen, Thompson and Glass.

Supported in part by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases contract N01-AR-42281 and by grants from the Schmidlapp Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation and the Children'Õs Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Please address correspondence and reprint requests to: David Glass, MD, Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Medical Center Pavillion 1-129, Elland and Bethesda Avenues, 45229 Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
E-mail: David.Glass@cchmc.org