Abstract
RANTES (Regulated upon Activation, Normal T cells Expressed and Secreted) is a potent chemoattractant peptide that has been shown to play a crucial role in inflammation.
The aim of this study was to measure serum RANTES concentration and it clarifies the effect of its functional promoter polymorphisms on the risk and activity of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Serum level of RANTES was measured using ELIZA in 47 patients with RA and 15 healthy controls. They also were genotyped for RANTES-403G/A and -28C/G using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
A significant increase in serum RANTES level was observed between the RA groups, especially active patients, and controls with positive correlations with parameters of the disease activity. As regards to RANTES (-403 G/A) polymorphism, individuals with A allele were at significant positive risk for RA but G allele were at negative risk for RA. It is noteworthy that this polymorphism was also associated with activity of the disease. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of the RANTES-28C/G polymorphisms when the active RA, inactive RA, and control groups were compared.
High serum RANTES level in patients with RA especially active ones confirmed its role in RA pathogenesis. Its interesting association with parameters of disease activity may enable rheumatologists to define RA patients who are at risk of developing activity within short periods of time. G-403A polymorphism is associated with the development and activity of RA in Egyptians. However, further larger scale population studies are necessary to clarify the role of this polymorphism in RA. If this will be proven, therapeutic antagonists to RANTES may lead to the development of effective alternative treatment for RA, particularly in patients carrying the RANTES-403 A allele.