HLA-TNF haplotype heterogeneity in Greek SLE patients.
OBJECTIVE
To examine TNF microsatellite allele frequencies in SLE patients in the Greek population, where disease susceptibility is less associated with HLA-DR3 haplotypes.


METHODS
A cohort of 46 Greek SLE patients were investigated. Allele frequencies for the TNF microsatellite markers a, b, c and d were determined using a fluorescence based DNA fragment sizing technique. HLA class II typing was performed using a molecular based technique.


RESULTS
Associations between SLE and DRB1*1501, *1601 and *0701 were observed and DRB1*0301 was only marginally increased in patients. Linkage disequilibrium was found between DRB1*1501 and TNF a11 and also for DR3 and TNF a2, b3, d2. Stratification of patients suggested that DRB*1501 and TNF a11 frequencies were higher in SLE patients with renal disease and TNF a2 and b 3 frequencies in those without, although these differences did not reach statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
SLE in this Greek population appears to be associated with a number of HLA-DRB1 alleles. The development of renal complications in these patients may be related to the TNF polymorphism encoded on these HLA haplotypes.
Tarassi
K
K
Department of Immunology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Carthy
D
D
Papasteriades
C
C
Boki
K
K
Nikolopoulou
N
N
Carcassi
C
C
Ollier
W E
WE
Hajeer
A H
AH
D015331:Cohort Studies; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D006115:Greece; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D010641:Phenotype; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics*
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; C553502:HLA-DRB1*03:01 antigen; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha