Mannose-Binding Lectin Gene Variants as Disease Susceptibility Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by progressive destruction of peripheral joints. About 1% of the human population worldwide is suffering from this disease. The pathophysiology of RA is largely being influenced by immune dysregulation. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), an acute-phase protein, has been reported to play an important role in pathogenesis of RA by the activation of complement pathway. Various studies documented the established the role of MBL in pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including RA. MBL protein is encoded by gene MBL2, mapped on chromosome 10q11.2-q21. Objective: Both MBL serum levels and activity are mainly determined genetically by its variants. So considering the putative clinical role of MBL2, this case-control association study was designed to assess its six functional variants in a northwestern Indian cohort. Methods: Genetic typing of six MBL2 variants was done by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical tools. Results: Significant difference has been observed in genotypic and allelic distribution between cases and controls for rs11003125. Comparison of allelic distribution for rs1800450 showed significantly high prevalence of A allele in cases than controls. Conclusion: These results indicate that MBL2 variants may act as plausible marker for susceptibility toward RA. Keeping this in view, it is pertinent to screen these variants in other population groups of India.