Correlation between double-stranded DNA and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease influenced by environmental factors. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) serves as an antigen in various autoimmune diseases and is affected by meteorological factors. However, the relationships among the circulating dsDNA level, RA inflammatory immune mechanisms, and seasonal meteorological factors remain unclear.

Serum dsDNA levels were measured in patients with RA and healthy controls, and correlations with archived data on seasonal meteorological changes were examined. Quantitative PCR was performed to assess the gene expression of relevant receptor markers in the peripheral circulation of patients and controls.

The mean serum dsDNA level was significantly higher in patients with RA than in controls (1.16 ±0.36 ng/ml vs. 0.92 ±0.20 ng/ml, p < 0.001). The expression of genes related to dsDNA receptors, single-stranded RNA receptors, dsRNA receptors, ALR inflammasome-associated inflammatory factors, interferon (IFN) α1, IFN β1, and low-density lipoprotein was upregulated in patients with RA.

dsDNA levels in the peripheral circulation of patients with RA are elevated and affected by seasonal climatic factors. This elevation enhances the expression of ALR inflammasome-related inflammatory factors and type I IFN. These findings provide a foundation for future investigations into the mechanisms underlying the link between climate variability and RA progression.