Fas gene promoter polymorphisms in primary Sjogren's syndrome
Date
2004
Authors
Mullighan, C.
Heatley, S.
Lester, S.
Rischmueller, M.
Gordon, T.
Bardy, P.
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Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2004; 63(1):98-101
Statement of Responsibility
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Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Fas mediated apoptosis may be important in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).<h4>Objective</h4>To examine genetic variation in the promoter region of the Fas gene in pSS.<h4>Methods</h4>Two single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions -1377(G/A) and -670(G/A) in the Fas gene promoter were genotyped by PCR-SSP in 101 patients with pSS and 108 Caucasoid controls.<h4>Results</h4>No significant differences in allele or genotype frequencies were detected between the patients with pSS and controls. However, significant associations were observed with Ro/La autoantibody negative patients, who display milder and later onset disease. The -670A allele was more frequent in Ro/La autoantibody negative patients than in Ro/La autoantibody positive patients (p = 0.04).<h4>Conclusion</h4>This study does not confirm an earlier report of an association between pSS and the Fas promoter -670G allele. However, the results suggest that genetically determined variability in Fas expression may modulate Ro/La autoantibody responses in patients with pSS.