Mannose-binding lectin polymorphisms are not associated with rheumatoid arthritis--confirmation in two large cohorts.
OBJECTIVE
In RA, conflicting results have been described on the association between genotypes of the complement factor mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and disease susceptibility and severity. This might be due to underpowerment of previous research work and the fact that no confirmation cohorts were used. Therefore a different approach is warranted.


METHODS
MBL2 gene polymorphisms were determined in two RA cohorts (378 and 261 cases) and 648 controls. Considering MBL polymorphisms, cases and controls were categorized in groups of high, intermediate and low MBL production. The total sample size allows detection of a potential association between RA susceptibility and MBL groups with an odds ratio of 1.37 (alpha < 0.05; 1-beta > 0.8). Disease severity as defined by the need for anti-TNF therapy was also analysed for possible associations with MBL groups.


RESULTS
There was no difference in the frequencies between MBL genotypes of RA cases and controls that are associated with high (cases 54.4%, controls 57.0%), intermediate (cases 28.9%, controls 27.5%) or low (cases 16.7%, controls 15.5%) MBL production. Furthermore, there was no association between MBL groups and disease severity.


CONCLUSIONS
MBL genotype groups are not associated with RA disease susceptibility or severity in this large study including a confirmation cohort. Compared with previous smaller studies these results add to more definite conclusions.
Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands. f.vandegeijn@erasmusmc.nl
F E
FE
van de Geijn
J M W
JM
Hazes
K
K
Geleijns
M
M
Emonts
B C
BC
Jacobs
B C M
BC
Dufour-van den Goorbergh
R J E M
RJ
Dolhain
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; C445619:MBL2 protein, human; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha