HLA-TNF haplotype heterogeneity in Greek SLE patients

• Published in: Clinical and experimental rheumatology Vol. 16; no. 1; p. 66
• Main Authors: Tarassi, K, Carthy, D, Papasteriades, C, Boki, K, Nikolopoulou, N, Carcassi, C, Ollier, W E, Hajeer, A H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01-01-1998
• Subjects: Cohort Studies; Genetic Heterogeneity; Greece; Histocompatibility Testing; HLA-DR Antigens - genetics; HLA-DRB1 Chains; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - genetics; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - immunology; Phenotype; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - genetics; Greece
• ISSN: 0392-856X

To examine TNF microsatellite allele frequencies in SLE patients in the Greek population, where disease susceptibility is less associated with HLA-DR3 haplotypes.
A cohort of 46 Greek SLE patients were investigated. Allele frequencies for the TNF microsatellite markers a, b, c and d were determined using a fluorescence based DNA fragment sizing technique. HLA class II typing was performed using a molecular based technique.
Associations between SLE and DRB1*1501, *1601 and *0701 were observed and DRB1*0301 was only marginally increased in patients. Linkage disequilibrium was found between DRB1*1501 and TNF a11 and also for DR3 and TNF a2, b3, d2. Stratification of patients suggested that DRB*1501 and TNF a11 frequencies were higher in SLE patients with renal disease and TNF a2 and b 3 frequencies in those without, although these differences did not reach statistical significance.
SLE in this Greek population appears to be associated with a number of HLA-DRB1 alleles. The development of renal complications in these patients may be related to the TNF polymorphism encoded on these HLA haplotypes.