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HLA-D antigens in rheumatoid arthritis and toxicity to gold and penicillamine
Abstract:
The frequencies of HLA-D antigens were investigated in 77 Finnish patients who met the ARA criteria of classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis. The control material consisted of healthy blood donors. HLA-Dw4 was significantly (p less than 0.01) increased and HLA-Dw2 significantly (p less than 0.01) decreased in the patients. All HLA-Dw4-positive patients belonged to the seropositive group and in comparison with controls HLA-Dw4 antigen was increased highly significantly (p less than 0.001) in the seropositive patients. With respect to HLA-Dw4 antigen, the seropositive and the seronegative group differed significantly (p less than 0.05). All patients had received penicillamine treatment and 75 of them gold treatment before penicillamine. No significant associations were noted between any HLA-D antigen and gold or penicillamine toxicity. The previous gold toxicity seemed to be a significant factor with respect to the subsequent penicillamine toxicity.
Insights
Rheumatoid arthritis patients showed altered frequencies of HLA-D antigens, with HLA-Dw4 increased and HLA-Dw2 decreased. HLA-Dw4 was particularly elevated in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Rheumatology
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation.
- The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system plays a crucial role in immune regulation and has been associated with various autoimmune diseases.
- Previous studies suggest a link between specific HLA-D antigens and the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequencies of HLA-D antigens in Finnish patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To determine if specific HLA-D antigen profiles are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in seropositive individuals.
- To explore potential associations between HLA-D antigens and gold or penicillamine treatment toxicity in RA patients.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 77 Finnish patients meeting American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Comparison of HLA-D antigen frequencies between RA patients and healthy blood donor controls.
- Analysis of HLA-D antigen distribution in seropositive versus seronegative RA patient subgroups.
- Investigation of associations between HLA-D antigens and toxicity from penicillamine and gold treatments.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in HLA-Dw4 (p < 0.01) and a significant decrease in HLA-Dw2 (p < 0.01) were observed in RA patients compared to controls.
- HLA-Dw4 was highly significantly increased (p < 0.001) in seropositive RA patients compared to controls.
- A significant difference in HLA-Dw4 antigen presence was found between seropositive and seronegative RA patient groups (p < 0.05).
- No significant associations were found between HLA-D antigens and gold or penicillamine toxicity, although prior gold toxicity appeared to influence penicillamine toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Specific HLA-D antigen frequencies, notably increased HLA-Dw4 and decreased HLA-Dw2, are associated with rheumatoid arthritis in the Finnish population.
- The HLA-Dw4 antigen shows a strong association with the seropositive rheumatoid arthritis subgroup.
- While HLA-D antigens were not directly linked to drug toxicity, treatment history, such as prior gold toxicity, may impact subsequent drug responses.