A tumour necrosis factor α polymorphism is not associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective. To determine whether a polymorphism within the tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) gene is associated with susceptibility to, or severity of, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Consecutive patients with recent onset RA were enrolled in a prospective trial. DNA was collected, disease activity was measured at presentation, and radiographic progression at three years was assessed. Typing of TNFα was by polymerase chain reaction and single stranded conformation polymorphism analysis. Results. No association of TNFα alleles and susceptibility to, or severity of, RA was demonstrated. Conclusion. These results indicate that this TNFα polymorphism does not play a part in the genetic background of RA.