Association between STAT4 polymorphisms and the risk of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Han Chinese populations

Previous studies have demonstrated a potential role of STAT4 polymorphisms in increased juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) risk in Caucasian populations; however, their role remains unclear in Han Chinese populations. We aimed to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of STAT4 and their role in JIA in Han Chinese populations.

This study included 205 JIA cases and 267 healthy controls. MassArray high-throughput DNA analyser and mass spectrometry were used to analyse 16 STAT4 SNP sites. The relationship between these SNPs and JIA risk was calculated using multiple logistic regressions.

The G allele of rs11893432 was associated with an increased risk of JIA (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-2.88; p=0.037). This relationship was observed in oligoarticular JIA (OR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.29-5.83; p=0.026), and not in polyarticular JIA or systemic JIA. The GG motif was significantly correlated with oligoarticular JIA risk,compared to the CC+CG motif (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.06-3.32; p=0.034). The C allele of rs1018981 and the A allele of rs10931481 were associated with a greater risk of polyarticular JIA (C allele: [OR: 7.82; 95% CI: 1.06-57.74; p=0.044]; A allele: [OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.23, 6.65; p=0.039).

The G allele of rs11893432 was significantly associated with JIA risk, particularly oligoarticular JIA, in Han Chinese populations. SNPs at rs1018981 and rs10931481 were correlated with higher risk of polyarticular JIA.