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Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Nevertheless, MTX resistance is quite a common issue in clinical practice. There are some premises that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) gene battery may take part in MTX metabolism. In the present retrospective study, we analyzed genes expression of AHR genes battery associated with MTX metabolism in whole blood of RA patients with good and poor response to MTX treatment. Additionally, sequencing, genotyping and bioinformatics analysis of AHR repressor gene (AHRR) c.565C > G (rs2292596) and c.1933G > C (rs34453673) have been performed. Theoretically, both changes may have an impact on H3K36me3 and H3K27me3. Evolutionary analysis revealed that rs2292596 may be possibly damaging. Allele G in rs2292596 and DAS28 seems to be associated with a higher risk of poor response to MTX treatment in RA. RA patients with poor response to MTX treatment revealed upregulated AhR and SLC19A1 mRNA level. Treatment with IL-6 inhibitor may be helpful to overcome the low-dose MTX resistance. Analysis of gene expression revealed possible another cause of poor response to MTX treatment which is different from that observed in the case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Circulating free-cell miRNAs are increasingly important as potential non-invasive biomarkers due to the easy accessibility of clinical materials. Moreover, their epigenetic role may provide insight into the mechanisms of pathogenesis. Nevertheless, these aspects are mostly studied in the area of oncological diseases. Therefore, this research aimed to find the potential association of selected miRNAs in serum with the expression of Th17/Treg transcription factors and clinical features in RA patients. Accordingly, experiments was conducted on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy subjects (HC). Analysis of miRNAs level in serum was performed using LNA miRNA PCR assays. mir-10 was detected only in RA patients. Furthermore, its expression was correlated with IL-35 serum concentration and the mRNA level of STAT5a in whole blood in RA. Additionally, a tendency of the raised level of miR-10 was noted in RA patients with high activity disease. miR-326 was significantly upregulated in RA patients with rheumatoid factor presence. In HC the correlation between miR-26 and IL-21 serum levels and expression of SMAD3 have been found. In OA patients, correlations between miR-126 and HIF1 expression and between miR-146 and RORc have been noted. The differential association of transcription factor expression with serum miRNA levels may be important in the diagnosis and progression of RA and OA.

SummaryWe investigated Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3/-7/-8/-9 and interferon (IFN)-α/β/γ mRNA expression in whole blood and serum IFN-α/β/γ levels in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) and in healthy subjects to assess the association between the TLR–IFN expression and severity of and susceptibility to diseases, and identify potential biomarkers. Expression of the IFN-γ, TLR-3 and TLR-8 was detected only in SLE patients. TLR-7, IFN-α and IFN-β expression was highest in SLE, while TLR-9 expression was highest in SSc patients. In SLE and MCTD patients a strong correlation was observed between TLR-7 and IFN-α expression and IFN-β and IFN-α expression. In MCTD patients, negative correlation between IFN-α and TLR-9 and TLR-7 and TLR-9 was revealed. TLR-9 expression in anti-U1-70k-negative, anti-C negative and anti-SmB-negative MCTD patients was higher than in MCTD-positive patients. We observed negative correlations between serum IFN-α levels and TLR-7 expression and C3 and C4 levels in SLE patients. In SLE patients we observed that with increased IFN-γ, TLR-3 and TLR-8 expression increased the value of C3 and C4. Our results confirmed that the endosomal TLR–IFN pathway seems to be more important in SLE than in MCTD or SSc, and that IFN-α and IFN-β may be possible biomarkers for SLE.

Background Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare condition that is distinguished by the presence of specific U1-RNP antibodies. Information about its etiopathology and diagnostics is still unclear. miRNAs such as miR-146, miR-155, and miR-143 emerged as key regulators of the immune system, known to be involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancers. We performed an association study between immune-related miRNAs and MCTD severity and susceptibility. Methods A total of 169 MCTD patients and 575 healthy subjects were recruited to the case–control study. The miRNA polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ levels in serum were determined using ELISA. qRT-PCR of TRAF6, IRAK1, and microRNAs was performed using Taqman miRNA assays and TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Results miR-146a rs2910164 G allele and GG genotype as well as miR-143 rs713147 A allele were more frequent in healthy subjects than in MCTD patients. miR-146a rs2910164 CC genotype and miR-143 T-rs353299*T-rs353291*T-rs713147*G-rs353298 and C-rs353299*C-rs353291*T-rs713147*A-rs353298 haplotypes were associated with MCTD susceptibility. miR-146a rs2910164 C/T was associated with scleroderma and lymphadenopathy. miR-143 rs353299 C/T was associated with swollen fingers or hands, the presence of enlarged lymph nodes, and pericarditis/pleuritis. miR-143 rs353298 A/G was associated with the occurrence of pericarditis/pleuritis and scleroderma. miR-143 rs353291 T/C showed association with pericarditis/pleuritis. The serum TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in MCTD patients compared to healthy subjects. miR-143 SNPs were associated with higher proinflammatory cytokine concentration in serum only in healthy controls. IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression were higher in the MCTD patients compared to controls. Conclusions The results of our case–control study indicate the possible significance of miR-146a and miR-143/145 in the susceptibility and clinical picture of MCTD.

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTD) are characterized by spontaneous stimulation of the immune system and the production of autoantibodies. Some autoantibodies may create an immune complex with DNA and/or RNA and promote tissue inflammation. Immune complexes that contain nucleic acids can act as ligands for endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLR), which activation induces secretion of the type I and type III interferons. The present study aimed to determine whether TLRs and IFNs genes could be considered as potential ACTD biomarkers. IFN-A and IFN-G showed a relationship with a predisposition to the development of SLE and MCTD, and IFN-B with a predisposition to the development of SLE. The TLR7 rs5743305 T allele and rs5743316 A allele may play a protective role against the development of MCTD, and the TLR7 rs1731479 T allele and TLR8 rs17256081 C allele may be predictors of MCTD development. mRNA expression of the IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TLR3, TLR8 and TLR7 was significantly higher in patients with SLE compared to patients with MCTD and SSc. MCTD patients with anti-U1-70k (+) had higher IFN-γ and lower IFN-β serum levels than patients without this antibody. In patients with SLE, serum levels of IFN-α and IFN-γ correlate with the concentration of complement components, and serum levels of IFN-α with disease activity. The study confirmed that the TLR-IFN pathway may be considered as an important pathogenic mechanism for ACTD.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, and IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α genes are important in the pathogenesis of this disease. We studied the impact of IL-1β-511, IL-1β +3953, IL-10 -592, IL-10 -1082, TNF-α -308, TNF-α -238, and TNF-α +489 polymorphisms on SLE risk and phenotype in SLE patients and healthy controls.We genotyped SLE patients and healthy controls by real-time PCR on QuantStudio 5 (Applied Biosystems) and measured levels of cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).We indicated that TNF-α -308, IL-10 -592, IL-10 -1082, IL-1β-511 and IL-1β +3953 polymorphisms affect SLE risk. Furthermore, we exposed that some of the TNF-α +489, TNF-α -238, IL-10 -1082 and IL-1β +3953 genotypes are connected with the SLE phenotype. Moreover, we discovered the linking between specific genotypes and the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10.In conclusion, our study revealed that IL-1β-511, IL-1β +3953, IL-10 -592, IL-10 -1082, and TNF-α -308 polymorphisms may affect SLE risk and phenotype.

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression of transcriptional factors, which influence Th17/Treg (regulatory T cells) balance, establishing the molecular mechanism of genetic and epigenetic regulation of Treg and Th17 cells is crucial for understanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. The study goal was to understand the potential impact of the selected microRNAs expression profiles on Treg/Th17 cells frequency, RA phenotype, the expression profile of selected microRNAs, and their correlation with the expression profiles of selected transcriptional factors: SOCS1, SMAD3, SMAD4, STAT3, STAT5 in RA, we used osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls (HCs) as controls. The study was conducted on 14 RA and 11 OA patients, and 15 HCs. Treg/Th17 frequency was established by flow cytometry. Gene expression analysis was estimated by qPCR. We noticed correlations in RA Th17 cells between miR-26 and SMAD3, STAT3, SOCS1, and miR-155 and STAT3&mdash, and in RA Treg cells between miR-26 and SOCS1, miR-31, -155 and SMAD3, and miR-155 and SMAD4. In RA Tregs, we found a negative correlation between miR-26, -126 and STAT5a. The expression level of miR-31 in Th17 cells from RA patients with DAS28 &le, 5.1 is higher and that for miR-24 is greater in Tregs from patients with DAS28 &gt, 5.1. MiR-146a in Tregs is higher in rheumatoid factor (RF) positive RA patients.

ObjectivesRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic inflammatory disease and is of unknown etiology. The altered balance between immunosuppressive and inflammatory T cell subpopulations exerts a huge impact on RA pathogenesis. The STAT3 protein regulates genes involved in the immune responses. It regulates maturation of T and B cells. Its abnormal activity is significantly associated with autoimmune diseases and cancer development. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of three potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the STAT3 gene to susceptibility and severity of RA in the Polish population.Material and methodsA total of 595 patients with RA and 330 healthy individuals were included in the study. DNA from patients and healthy subjects was obtained from peripheral blood using standard DNA isolating methods. The STAT3 rs1053005, rs1026916 and rs2293152 polymorphisms were genotyped using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. The accuracy of SNP genotyping was confirmed using direct DNA sequence analysis.ResultsThe distribution of STAT3 polymorphisms did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Our results revealed a tendency only, where rs1026916 AA genotype occurred more frequently in RA patients compared to healthy controls, in codominant (p = 0.09), dominant (p = 0.06) and recessive (p = 0.09) models. STAT3 rs2293152 polymorphism was associated with higher DAS28 (p = 0.014 codominant model; p = 0.003 dominant model), increased number of swollen joints (p = 0.02), higher VAS (p = 0.01) and higher HAQ score (p = 0.05).ConclusionsWe did not observe a significant association between the three studied STAT3 genetic variants and increased susceptibility to or severity of RA. Only the STAT3 rs2293152 polymorphism was associated with parameters that indicate a more severe course of the disease. However, its distribution did not differ between RA and control groups. According to our observations these 3 studied STAT3 SNPs may not be used as risk factors for developing RA.

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare disorder characterized by symptoms that overlap two or more Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases (ACTDs). The aim of this study was to determine whether miRNAs participating in the TLRs signaling pathway could serve as biomarkers differentiating MCTD or other ACTD entities from a healthy control group and between groups of patients. Although the selected miRNA expression level was not significantly different between MCTD and control, we observed that miR-126 distinguishes MCTD patients from all other ACTD groups. The expression level of miRNAs was significantly higher in the serum of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to controls. The miR-145 and -181a levels distinguished RA from other ACDT patients. miR-155 was specific for SLE patients. MiR-132, miR-143, and miR-29a distinguished RA and SLE patients from the systemic sclerosis (SSc) group. Additionally, some clinical parameters were significantly related to the miRNA expression profile in the SLE group. SLE and RA are characterized by a specific serum expression profile of the microRNAs associated with the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathway. The analysis showed that their level distinguishes these groups from the control and from other ACTD patients. The present study did not reveal a good biomarker for MCTD patients.

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare complex autoimmune disease in which autoantigens are recognized by endosomal TLRs. Their activation induces a higher secretion of the type I interferons, IFN-γ and the up-regulation of the INF-inducible genes. The present study aimed to investigate whether SNPs that are located in the IFN-A, IFN-B, and IFN-G genes are associated with MCTD. 145 MCTD patients and 281 healthy subjects were examined for IFN-A, IFN-B, and IFN-G genetic variants by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. ELISA determined IFN-α/-β/-γ serum levels. Among the seven tested SNPs, four polymorphisms: IFN-A rs10757212, IFN-A rs3758236, IFN-G rs2069705, IFN-G rs2069718, as well as INF-G rs1861493A/rs2069705A/rs2069718G haplotype were significantly associated with a predisposition for MCTD. Raynaud’s phenomenon, erosive arthritis, swollen hands and fingers, and sclerodactyly were significantly more frequently observed in MCTD patients with IFN-G rs2069718 G allele than in patients with IFN-G rs2069718 A allele. We also found that anti-U1-A autoantibodies most frequently occurred in MCTD patients with rs2069718 GA genotype, while the IFN-G rs2069705 AG and rs2069718 GA genotypes might be a marker of anti-Ro60 presence in MCTD patients. Our results indicate that IFN-G genetic variants may be potential genetic biomarkers for MCTD susceptibility and severity.

We investigated kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) polymorphisms and protein levels in relation to susceptibility to and severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). 641 RA patients and 340 controls (HC) were examined for the rs1870377 KDR variant by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method and for rs2305948 and rs2071559 KDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. KDR serum levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The rs1870377 KDR variant has shown association with RA under the codominant (p = 0.02, OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.09&ndash, 2.85) and recessive models (p = 0.019, OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.07&ndash, 2.20). KDR rs2305948 was associated with RA under the dominant model (p = 0.005, OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10&ndash, 1.73). Under the codominant model, the frequency of the rs2071559 TC and GG genotypes were lower in RA patients than in controls (p &lt, 0.001, OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.37&ndash, 0.69, and p = 0.002, OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.39&ndash, 0.81). KDR rs2071559 T and rs2305948 A alleles were associated with RA (p = 0.001, OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.45&ndash, 0.81 and p = 0.008, OR = 1.71, CI = 1.15&ndash, 2.54). KDR rs2305948SNP was associated with Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28 score (p &lt, 0.001), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score (p &lt, 0.001), number of swollen joints (p &lt, 0.001), mean value of CRP (p &lt, 0.001). A higher KDR serum level was found in RA patients than in HC (8018 pg/mL versus 7381 pg/mL, p = 0.002). Present results shed light on the role of KDR genetic variants in the severity of RA.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterized by excessive proinflammatory cytokine production and damage to multiple organ systems. To investigate the potential association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and SLE, we performed a case-control study based on Polish population. SLE patients and controls, were examined for IL-23A rs11171806 G/A and IL-23R (rs1884444 G/T, rs10489629 G/A) by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay, for IL-17F rs763780 A/G and rs2397084A/G using the PCR– RFLP method. An increased frequency of AG genotype as well as G allele of the IL-17F rs763780 was found in patients with SLE, as compared with healthy subjects (OR = 3.947; p = 0.001 and OR = 3.538; p = 0.002, respectively). Frequencies of the rs1884444 TT genotype (OR = 138.1) and the rs1884444 T allele (OR = 2.176) were also higher in SLE patients (both p

The aim of the study was to explore whether TGF-β and IL-6 gene polymorphisms may be associated with SLE and assess the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in Polish systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.216 SLE patients and 552 healthy individuals were examined for TGF-β rs1800469 and rs1800470 by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay and for and IL-6(rs2069827 and rs1800795 using the PCR- RFLP method.An increased frequency of TT genotype and T allele of the TGF β -509 C/T was found in SLE patients (p=0.02). The TGF-β 869 C allele was more frequent in SLE patients. The genotype-phenotype analysis showed association between the TGF β -509 C/T and mean value of CRP, ESR, haemoglobin, APTT, Pt and INR (p=0.05, p=0.03, p0.001, p=0.03, p=0.03 and p=0.05, respectively) as well as anti-SSA and anti-Sm presence (p=0.04 and p=0.03, respectively); the TGF- β 869 T/C and mean value of APTT and INR (p=0.01 and p=0.05, respectively); the IL-6 -174 G/C and SLICC (p=0.05), anti-SSA (p=0.05) and anti-SSB (p=0.05). A higher TGF-β and IL-6 serum level were found in SLE patients compared to controls (both p0.0001). In SLE patients with the TGF-β -509 TT genotype have shown positive association with the TGF-β serum levels. Polish SLE patients have strong positive association with HLA-DRB1*52.1, and negative with the HLA-DRB1*07:01 allele. HLA-DRB1*52.1 was also associated with higher TGF-β serum levels in the Polish population.Our results suggested that the TGF β -509 C/T variant may be considered as a genetic marker for SLE in the Polish population.

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a systemic autoimmune disease, originally defined as a connective tissue inflammatory syndrome with overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), characterized by the presence of antibodies against components of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1snRNP). The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of (high-resolution-typed) DRB1 alleles in a cohort of Polish patients with MCTD (n = 103). Identification of the variants potentially associated with risk and protection was carried out by comparison with the DKMS Polish Bone Marrow Donor Registry (41306 alleles). DRB1*15:01 (odds ratio (OR): 6.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.55-8.06), DRB1*04 (OR: 3.69; 95% CI 2.69-5.01) and *09:01 (OR: 8.12; 95% CI 2.15-21.75) were identified as risk alleles for MCTD, while HLA-DRB1*07:01 allele was found to be protective (OR: 0.50; 95% CI 0.28-0.83). The carrier frequency of the DRB1*01 was higher in MCTD patients compared with controls, although the differences were not statistically significant. Our results confirm the modulating influence of HLA-DRB1 genotypes on development of connective tissue diseases such as MCTD.

The aim of the study was to identify HIF-1A genetic variants and their possible association with HIF-1α, VEGF, KDR, RORc and Foxp3 protein levels, and susceptibility to and severity of RA. The HIF-1A gene polymorphisms were genotyped for 587 RA patients and 341 healthy individuals. The HIF-1α, VEGF, KDR, RORc and Foxp3serum levels were evaluated. Under the codominant model, the frequency of the rs12434438 GG genotype was lower in RA patients than in controls (P = 0.02). Under the recessive model (AA + AG vs GG), the association was also significant (OR 3.32; CI 1.19–9.24; P = 0.02). Overall, rs12434438 A/G and rs1951795 A/C are in almost completed linkage disequilibrium with D′ = 0.96 and r2 = 0.85. The HIF-1A rs1951795 A allele was associated with rheumatoid factor (P = 0.02) and mean value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P = 0.05). In RA patients with HIF-1A rs12434439 GG genotype, the parameters of disease activity such as DAS-28, VAS score, Larsen score or HAQ score were lower compared to RA patients with the HIF-1A rs12434439 AA genotype. Moreover, we also observed that Foxp3 serum levels were higher, and RORc2 serum levels were lower in RA patients with rs12434439 GG. The polymorphic HIF-1A rs12434439 GG genotype may play a protective role for RA development.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease (AID) that affects approximately 0.5%–1% of the population worldwide. RA is considered to be complex diseases of unknown etiology, where the environmental, immunological and genetic factors contributed to susceptibility and severity of the disease. Since the first evidence suggesting the involvement of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) in RA was reported in 1969, the HLA region have been at the center of genetic studies of RA. Objectives We undertook this study to elucidate the association between HLA-DRB1 alleles profile and susceptibility to and severity of RA in a Polish population. Methods We analyzed the data on a total of 472 RA patients in whom HLA-DRB1 allele genotyping had been performed. DNA sequences for exon 2 of the DRB1 locus were typed using polymerase chain reaction-sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT). Results Identification of the variants potentially associated with risk and protection was carried out by comparison to the DKMS Polish Bone Marrow Donor Registry (41306 alleles). A significant increase in the frequency of the HLA-DRB1*15:01 (p=0.001), DRB1*04 (p No association was detect between the HLA-DRB1*07:01 and DRB1*09:01 and disease activity and laboratory parameters among RA patients. Conclusions Current finding indicated that HLA-DRB1*15:01 DRB1*04, DRB1*01:01 and DRB1*10:01 alleles may be associated with susceptibility to as well as severity of RA. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Objectives Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the autoimmune diseases, where different polymorphisms in cytokine genes play a pathogenic role. IL-12 is now recognized as a critical cytokine in terms of regulating the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells. We investigated the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3212227 (A/C) and rs17860508 (CTCTAA/GC)) of the IL-12B gene in the genetic susceptibility to RA and in the severity of the disease. Methods Six hundred and thirty four Caucasian RA patients and 341 healthy matched controls were studied using PCR-RFLP method and High-resolution melting analysis. Concentration of IL-12 cytokine level in serum was evaluated using ELISA assay. Results The genotypes frequency did not deviate from HWE in each examined group. Frequencies of the rs3212227 CC genotype were statistically higher in RA patients comparing with the healthy control group in both codominant and recessive model (p=0,037; p=0,04 respectively). The frequency of rs3212227 C allele also showed similar tendency (p=0,07). IL-12 level in serum was significantly higher in RA group compared to control (p

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the chronic autoimmune diseases, with genetic and environmental predisposition, and synovial angiogenesis is considered to be a notable stage in its pathogenesis. Angiogenesis or vascular proliferation has been suggested to be a pivotal mechanism involved in both inflammation/immune activation and joint invasion and destruction. RA may be considered an “angiogenic disease” because it is associated with active tissue neovascularization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes vascular permeability, regulates angiogenesis, endothelial cell proliferation and migration, chemotaxis, and capillary hyper permeability and therefore is involved in the development of inflammation. VEGF is the most potent proangiogenic molecule promoting the angiogenic phenotype of RA and is upregulated in RA. Objectives The aim of the study was to identify functional VEGF variants and their possible association with VEGF expression, susceptibility to and severity of RA. Methods 581 RA patients and of 341 healthy individuals were examined for -1154 A/G, -2578 A/C VEGF gene polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP method and for -634 G/C VEGF gene polymorphisms by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Serum VEGF levels in RA patients and controls were measured by ELISA. Results The -1154 A/G VEGF gene polymorphism under the codominant, recessive (AA+AG vs. GG) and dominant (AA vs. AG+GG) models were associated with RA (p = 0.0009; p = 0.004; p = 0.017, respectively). VEGF -2578 A/C revealed differences in the case-control distribution in codominant, recessive, dominant and overdominant models (all p

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, autoimmune disease, which is characterized by inflammation and progressive destruction of the synovial joints leading to pain, long term disability, and reduced quality of life in many patients. Human genetic and epidemiology studies have shown that causal factors of disease include pre-determined contributions from at least 40 different genes and the effect of environmental factors. Epigenetic represent a new aspect in autoimmunity, which refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve changes in DNA sequence. Recently, the list of molecules important for RA pathogenesis has been extended by microRNAs (miRNAs), which play a key role in regulating both adaptive and innate immune response, development and differentiation of immune cells, and the prevention of autoimmunity.

Background Type-1 immunity plays a fundamental pathogenic role in various diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is a multisystem autoimmune disorder with heterogeneity in clinical manifestations and disease course. Although the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of SLE remains elusive, the actual state of knowledge allow diagnose that genetic information is important for understanding the mechanisms of the disorder. In this respect several studies support that gene encoding cytokines, which regulate CD4+T cells differentiation, are attractive genetic factors that may predispose to susceptibility and severity of SLE Objectives To investigate the potential association between IL-12B and IL-27 gene polymorphisms and SLE, we performed a case-control study based on Polish population. Methods SLE patients and healthy individuals, were examined for -6415 CTCTAA/GC (rs17860508) and +1188A/C (rs3212227) in IL-12B and -924A/G (rs153109) and 4730T/C (rs181206) in IL-27 gene polymorphisms using the HRM method, PCR–RFLP method and TaqMan SNP genotyping assay, respectively. Results An increased frequency of GC/GC genotype as well as GC allele of the IL-12B rs17860508 was found in patients with SLE, as compared with healthy subjects (p IL-12B rs3212227 and IL-27 rs153109 and rs181206 variants between SLE patients and controls. IL-27 haplotype CG indicated higher risk for SLE (P=0.002), whereas haplotype TG indicated reduced risk for SLE (p=0.005). The IL-12B rs3212227 A/C polymorphism was associated with the mean value of the platelets, urea and complement C3 level. Furthermore IL-12B rs17860508 genetic variant showed correlation with platelets, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions Our results revealed that IL-12B rs17860508 as well as IL-27 haplotype CG are genetic risk factors for SLE and that both IL-12B rs17860508 and rs3212227 predict disease phenotype. References McCarthy EM, Smith S, Lee RZ, Cunnane G, Doran MF, Donnelly S et al. The association of cytokines with disease activity and damage scores in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Rheumatology 2014; 53:1586–1594. Miteva LD, Manolova IM, Ivanova MG, Rashkov RK, Stoilov RM, Gulubova MV et al. Functional genetic polymorphisms in interlukin-12B gene in association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatol Int 2012; 32:53–59. Koening KF, Groeschl I, Pesickova SS, Tesar V, Eisenberger U, Trendelenburg M. Serum cytokine profil in patients with active lupus nephritis. Cytokine 2012; 60: 410–416. Guerra SG, Vyse TJ, Cunninghame Graham DS. The genetics of lupus: a functional perspective. Arthritis Res Ther. 2012;14(3):211. Acknowledgement Supported by grant No 502–01–01124182–07474, Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The technical assistance of Mr. Agnieszka Hertel, Wieslawa Frankowska and Teresa Golaszewska is gratefully acknowledged. We are also grateful to all of the SLE patients whose cooperation made this study possible. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe multi-system autoimmune disease characterized by uncontrolled autoantibody formation, excessive proinflammatory cytokine production, tissue inflammation and damage to multiple organ systems. The IL-23-IL-17 axis, rather than the loop of IL-12 and IFN-c, have a central role in the autoimmune inflammation, and interaction between IL-23 and IL-17 is not only essential for the onset phase, but also for the destruction phase of SLE characterized by the T cell-mediated activation of osteoclastogenesis. Objectives To investigate the potential association between IL-17F, IL-23 and IL-23R gene polymorphisms and SLE, we performed a case-control study based on Polish population. Methods SLE patients and healthy individuals, were examined for IL-23A 703 G/A (rs11171806) and IL-23R (rs1884444 G/T, rs10489629 G/A) by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay, and for IL-17F 7488A/ G (rs763780) and 7383A /G (rs2397084) gene polymorphisms using the PCR– RFLP method. Results An increased frequency of AG genotype as well as G allele of the IL-17F 7488 A/G (rs763780) was found in patients with SLE, as compared with healthy subjects (p=0.0007 and p=0.0012, respectively). Frequencies of the rs1884444 TT genotype and the rs1884444 T allele were also higher in SLE patients (both p IL-17F 7488A/ G (rs763780) and 7383A /G (rs2397084) polymorphisms (D9-0.003, r2 – 0.000). From four possible haplotypes, frequencies of one (AG) showed significant differences between both examined groups (p IL-23R rs10489629G/A and rs1884444 G/T (D9-0.199, r2 – 0.026). The genotype-phenotype analysis showed significant association between the IL-17F 7383 A/G (rs2397084) and mean value of the hemoglobin (p=0.01), between the IL-17F 7488 A/G (rs763780) and age (p=0.008) and lupus anticoagulant (p=0.09), between the IL-23 703 G/A (rs11171806) and urea (p=0.08) and C3 complement (p=0.03), and between the IL-23R rs1884444 G/T and activated partial thromboplastin time (p=0.06). Conclusions Present findings indicated that IL-17F 7488 A/G (rs763780) and IL-23R rs1884444 G/T polymorphisms may be involved in susceptibility to SLE in the Polish population. References Leng RX, Pan HF, Chen GM, Wang C, Qin WZ, Chen LL et al. IL-23: a promising therapeutic target for systemic lupus erythematosus. Arch Med Res. 2010; 41:221–225. Costa-Reis P, Sullivan KE. Genetics and epigenetics of systemic lupus erythematosus. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2013; 15:369. McCarthy EM, Smith S, Lee RZ, Cunnane G, Doran MF, Donnelly S et al. The association of cytokines with disease activity and damage scores in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Rheumatology 2014; 53:1586–1594. Acknowledgement Supported by grant No 502–01–01124182–07474, Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The technical assistance of Mr. Agnieszka Hertel, Wieslawa Frankowska and Teresa Golaszewska is gratefully acknowledged. We are also grateful to all of the SLE patients whose cooperation made this study possible. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether polymorphisms within the RORc2 gene are involved in the risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: 591 RA patients and 341 healthy individuals were examined for RORc2 gene polymorphisms. Serum retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C (RORc) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The rs9826 A/G, rs12045886 T/C and rs9017 G/A RORc2 gene SNPs show no significant differences in the proportion of cases and control. Overall, rs9826 and rs9017 were in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) with D’ = 0.952 and r2 = 0.874, except rs9826 and rs12045886; and rs12045886 and rs9017 in weak LD. The genotype–phenotype analysis showed a significant association between RORc2 rs9826 A/G and rs9017 G/A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and median of C-reactive protein (CRP). Serum RORc levels was higher in RA patients with rs9826AA, rs12045886TT and -TC, and rs9017AA genotypes compared to healthy subjects with the same genotypes (p = 0.02, p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, the median of RORc protein level was higher in RA patients with number of swollen joints bigger then 3 (p = 0.04) and with Health Assessment Questionnaires (HAQ) score bigger then 1.5 (0.049). Conclusions: Current findings indicated that the RORc2 genetic polymorphism and the RORc2 protein level may be associated with severity of RA in the Polish population.