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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. Currently, several genes play an important role in the development of the disease. The objective was to evaluate the association of the STAT4 rs7574865 and rs897200 gene variants with RA susceptibility, DAS28, RF, and anti-CCP in Western and Southern Mexico populations. Genotyping was performed on 476 samples (cases = 240; controls = 236) using the Taqman® system and qPCR probes. Disease activity was assessed using DAS28 and HAQ DI. CRP, ESR, RF, and anti-CCP were determined for clinical assessment. Our study showed there is a statistically significant association with susceptibility to RA for the rs7574865 variant in the Western population for the GT and TT genotypes. The same genotypes also showed a moderate-to-high activity according to DAS28 and positive anti-CCP compared to the control group. This association was not found in the Southern population. This work confirms the association of the rs7574865 variant with RA, as well as a moderate-to-high activity and positive anti-CCP in the Western population but not in the Southern population. No association of the rs897200 variant was found in any of the studied populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine capable of stimulating inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase production from macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, which leads to persistent inflammation and bone degradation, two of the major pathological processes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MIF promoter polymorphisms (−794CATT5‐8rs5844572 and −173G > C, rs755622), circulating MIF levels, and mRNA expression with RA susceptibility and disease activity. Methods: A case–control study was conducted in 200 RA patients and 200 control subjects (CS) from Southern Mexico. Genotyping was performed by conventional PCR and PCR‐RFLP methods. MIF mRNA expression was quantified by real‐time PCR and MIF serum levels were determined by an ELISA kit. Results: The 7,7 (−794CATT5‐8) and −173CC (−173G > C) genotypes were associated with higher disease activity in RA patients. MIF serum levels were increased, and MIF mRNA expression was reduced in RA patients as compared to CS. In addition, RA patients with moderate disease activity had higher MIF levels than those with low disease activity. The −794CATT5‐8 and −173G > C MIF polymorphisms were not associated with RA susceptibility. Conclusion: These results suggest an important role of MIF polymorphisms and MIF serum levels with disease activity in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]