Common polymorphisms in the folate pathway predict efficacy of combination regimens containing methotrexate and sulfasalazine in early rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To study genetic polymorphisms in the folate pathway, a site of action of methotrexate (MTX) and sulfasalazine (SSZ), as predictors of efficacy of combination disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) regimens containing MTX and SSZ in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
Ninety-eight Caucasian patients with early RA received MTX with SSZ, hydroxychloroquine, and folate according to a standardized protocol. Efficacy was evaluated using the Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and European League Against Rheumatism response criteria at 12 months. Nine polymorphisms in 7 genes of the folate pathway were studied.


RESULTS
Response to therapy was associated with SLC19A1, MTR, and TYMS polymorphisms. Two favorable allele combinations associated with responder status at 12 months were identified: the MTR 2756A allele in combination with either the SLC19A1 80A allele or the TYMS 3R-del6 haplotype (multivariate analysis, p = 0.0002, p = 0.009 respectively). Seventy of the 72 patients with these allele combinations responded compared to 12/24 patients without [odds ratio (OR) 35.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.9-176, p < 0.0001]. An association with remission (DAS28 < 2.6) was also observed (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-10.0, p = 0.04). When analyzed over 3 years, both the change in DAS score from baseline and the final DAS scores were significantly higher and lower, respectively, with the favorable genotype group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Polymorphic variations in the MTR, SLC19A1, and TYMS genes were associated with better clinical response to combination DMARD regimens containing MTX and SSZ. Allele combinations of these genes may predict response to combination DMARD and assist in treatment decisions in patients with early RA.
James
Heather M
HM
Division of Human Immunology, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia. heather.james@imvs.sa.gov.au
Gillis
David
D
Hissaria
Pravin
P
Lester
Susan
S
Somogyi
Andrew A
AA
Cleland
Leslie G
LG
Proudman
Susanna M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006239:Haplotypes; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013762:Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / Q000235:genetics
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D012460:Sulfasalazine; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine; D005492:Folic Acid; D013762:Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase; D008727:Methotrexate