IL-21 gene rs6822844 polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility

Abstract

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in pathogenesis and activity of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Meanwhile, genetic polymorphisms in the IL-21 gene may alter its expression. Previous studies have reported conflicting results assessing the association between the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism and RA risk. Thus, it’s necessary to perform a meta-analysis to definite above relationship. PubMed database was searched for all papers published until October 20, 2019. Nine case–control studies with 9998 cases and 10742 controls were retrieved based on the search criteria at last. Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was used to calculate the strength of this association. Publication bias was detected using both Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Overall, the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with decreased RA risk (e.g. T-allele versus G-allele: OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.72–0.91, P < 0.001). In addition, decreased RA risk was also detected both in Asians (eg: TT+TG versus GG: OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.31–0.56, P < 0.001) and Caucasians (eg: TT+TG versus GG: OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.80–0.91, P < 0.001). A similar trend in association was found in the source of the control and genotype method subgroups. Furthermore, subgroup analysis of rheumatoid factor status revealed a protective relationship between the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism and RF+/RF- RA risk. A similar relationship was noted in the anti-citrullinated protein antibody status subgroup. The results of the present study suggest that the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased RA susceptibility.

Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Development and Antirheumatic Therapy Response

“…The polymorphism found at rs1946518 of the IL18 gene is found in Egyptian populations, and the polymorphism found at rs549908 is found in the Taiwanese population. Thus the candidate genes for assessing genetic RA predisposition need to be thoroughly selected [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

lncRNAS56464.1 as a ceRNA promotes the proliferation of fibroblast‑like synoviocytes in experimental arthritis via the Wnt signaling pathway and sponges miR‑152‑3p

“…Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are an important type of synovial cell and are the main type of effector cell mediating joint destruction and synovitis by functioning in tissue shaping in the physiological state and in matrix remodeling in pathological injury (3)(4)(5)(6). At present, the specific pathogenesis of RA remains elusive, and may be related to immune factors, environmental factors, heredity, as well as other factors (7)(8)(9). Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to actively explore the pathogenesis of RA and search for potential diagnostic markers.…”

Plasma Interleukin-21 Levels and Genetic Variants Are Associated With Susceptibility to Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Reports including RA patients from different geographical regions showed the protective role of rs6822844 variant against RA development in the Netherlands [21], Algerian [22], Columbian [19] population. The latest meta-analysis further strengthens individual case-control observation [23].…”

“…Various reports have shown a signi cant association of IL-21 polymorphisms and RA in different populations such as Netherlanders [21], Algerian [22], Columbian [19]. Further, a recent meta-analysis with including nine various studies [23] demonstrated decreased susceptibility of IL-21 rs6822844 polymorphism against the development of RA. Although the association of IL-21 polymorphisms with RA has been studied in different populations, to date, it has not been explored in the Chinese community.…”