The Protective Effect of HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 Alleles to ACPA-Positive and RF-Positive RA in Albanian Population

BACKGOUND: The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its specific autoantibodies varies in different populations. This variability depends on the genetic polymorphism immune response genes among which HLA system plays a major role. AIM: We conducted preliminary study distribution HLA-DRB1 HLA-DQB1 first field level alleles sample 100 Albanian patients with RA. METHODS: In this context, we studied first-level allele frequencies RA considering their factor (RF) anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) serologic subgroups. compared them respective population 191 individuals without known pathology. RESULTS: No differences were found between controls patient group, but three statistically significant found: an increase DRB1*04 ACPA-positive, RF-positive ACPA-positive/RF-positive patients, decrease DRB1*11 ACPA-positive/RF-positive, also DRB1*13 DRB1 allotypes ACPA+ RF+ to counterpart ACPA− RF−patient subgroups showed predisposing effect HLA-DRB1*04 for ACPA RF seropositivity (p, respectively, 0.0008 0.0017) protective role HLA-DRB1*11 positivity 0.007 0.02). same from is HLA-DRB1*13 (p = 0.007). As far as DQB1 locus concerned, association has been HLA-DQB1*06 both 0.05 0.04) when comparing control group RF− subgroups, only detected difference was (+) (−) =0.04). CONCLUSION: relatively low high (DRB1*11 DRB1*13) might explain rather rate patients. Our demonstrates that DRB1*11, DQB1*06 may be negatively associated Conversely, confer susceptibility population.