Genetic and epigenetic alteration of the programmed cell death 1 in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where both genetics and epigenetics are contributing factors. In order to discover genetic and epigenetic associations with RA and its phenotypes, we analysed RNA expression, DNA variations and DNA methylation of programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1) in a cohort of RA patients and healthy controls.

RA patients (n = 206) and healthy controls (n = 234) were included for analysis of PDCD1 expression, PDCD1 polymorphisms and PDCD1 methylation. Differences in continuous variables between groups were compared by applying t tests. Associations between phenotypes and genotypes were evaluated with contingency tables. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the robustness of results, considering potential confounding factors and different treatment response definitions. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated.

Higher expression of PDCD1 was found in RA compared to controls (P < 0.001), with similar PDCD1 polymorphisms in RA and controls. rs36084323 decreased inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.19-0.72, P = 0.003), and rs41386349 increased rheumatoid factor seropositivity (OR = 11.89, 95% CI = 1.57-89.87, P = 0.003). Sensitivity analysis adjusting for further potential confounders and using different treatment response definition indicated similar results. Additionally, DNA methylation change at regulatory region of PDCD1 was detected in RA (P = 0.036).

Altogether, this was the first study to suggest genetic and epigenetic changes of PDCD1 in RA subsets and RA. Independent prospective cohorts are awaited to address the implications of these genetic and epigenetic changes in disease pathogenesis and phenotypes of RA.