title: Lack of association between CAG repeat polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene and the outcome of rheumatoid arthritis treatment with leflunomide.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Leflunomide (LEF) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug used for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the action of which may be modified by sex hormones. The aim of this study was to examine the association between CAG repeat polymorphism in the androgen receptor (AR) gene and the response to treatment with LEF in women with RA.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 114 women diagnosed with RA and treated with LEF (20 mg daily). Follow-up was 12 months. CAG repeat polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis revealed no statistically significant associations between CAG repeat polymorphism in the AR gene and improvement of disease activity parameters: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum C-reactive protein, patient's global assessment of disease activity on a visual analog scale (VAS), disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28), and swollen and tender joint count.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest no correlation between CAG repeat polymorphism in the AR gene and response to treatment with LEF in women with RA.
authors: Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wlkp. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
authors: Violetta
authors: V
authors: Dziedziejko
authors: Mateusz
authors: M
authors: Kurzawski
authors: Krzysztof
authors: K
authors: Safranow
authors: Andrzej
authors: A
authors: Ossowski
authors: Jaroslaw
authors: J
authors: Piatek
authors: Miroslaw
authors: M
authors: Parafiniuk
authors: Dariusz
authors: D
authors: Chlubek
authors: Andrzej
authors: A
authors: Pawlik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D000077339:Leflunomide