Transforming growth factor beta 1 gene (HSTGFB1) nucleotide T869C (codon 10) polymorphism is not associated with prevalence or severity of rheumatoid arthritis in a Caucasian population

TGFB1 (rs1800470 and rs1800469) variants are independently associated with disease activity and autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis patients

To evaluate the association between TGFB1 + 869 T > C (rs1800470) and TGFB1-509 C > T (rs1800469) variants with susceptibility for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), disease activity, presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and TGF-β1 plasma levels. A total of 262 patients with RA and 168 control individuals were tested for the TGFB1 variants using a TaqMan genotyping assay. Disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) classified RA patients into two groups of disease activity: remission/mild (DAS28 < 3.2) and moderate/severe (DAS28 ≥ 3.2). TGFB1 + 869 T > C and -509 C > T variants, independently or in haplotype combination, were not associated with RA's susceptibility. Patients with the TGFB1-509 TT genotype had a higher frequency of DAS28 ≥ 3.2 (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.04-6.42, p = 0.041). The TGFB1 + 869 CC genotype in seropositive patients for RF or anti-CCP was associated with decreased TGF-β1 levels (p = 0.032 and p = 0.039, respectively). Patients with the TGFB1 + 869 C allele and elevated RF titles demonstrated a higher frequency of DAS28 ≥ 3.2 (p = 0.037). The TGFB1 + 869 T > C variant was associated with diminished TGF-β1 plasma levels and moderate/severe activity disease only in seropositive RF patients. This is the first study showing that TGF-β1 plasma levels can be modulated by the interaction between the TGFB1 + 869 T > C variant and autoantibodies. However, the TGFB1-509 C > T variant was associated with moderate/severe activity disease, independently of autoantibodies positivity. Thus, our findings suggest that TGFB1 + 869 T > C and -509 C > T variants can predict activity disease in different RA patient subgroups.

TGF-β1 +869T/C (rs1982073) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis: Updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease that affects about 1% of the world's population. The conclusions about the relationship between TGF gene polymorphism and the risk of RA are still inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to re-evaluate the relationship between TGF-β1 T869C gene polymorphism and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

METHOD

We performed a systematic electronic search in PubMed, Embase, Elsevier, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Medline and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database (up to August 2020). In the subgroup analysis, we divide the research into three groups: Asian, European and Mediterranean, The combined OR and 95%CI of the five models (allele model, homozygous model, heterozygous model, dominant model, recessive model) were calculated, respectively.

RESULTS

15 case-control studies (14 articles) were involved in this meta-analysis, including 2103 cases and 2143 healthy controls. In the overall analysis, it showed that there may be an significant association between TGF-β1+869T/C polymorphism and RA sensitivity (allele model, T vs. C: OR=1.444, 95% CI=1.171-1.782, P=0.001; homozygous model, TT vs. CC: OR=1.910, 95% CI=1.322-2.761, P=0.001; heterozygous model, CT vs. CC: OR=1.558, 95% CI=1.179-2.059,P=0.002; dominant model, TT+CT vs. CC: OR= 1.742, 95% CI=1.303-2.329, P=0.001; recessive model, TT vs. CT+CC: OR=1.400, 95% CI= 1.058-1.852, P=0.018).However, the results of ethnic subgroup analysis indicated that rs1982073 was not associated with RA risk in Europeans(allele model, T vs. C: OR=0.993, 95% CI=0.849-1.162, P=0.931, I² <0.1%, P>0.1).

CONCLUSION

In summary, our meta-analysis showed that the rs1982073 T allele does not increase RA susceptibility in Europeans.

The association of transforming growth factor beta 1 gene polymorphisms with arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to explore the association between transformation growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) gene polymorphisms and different types of arthritis. PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Biosis and four Chinese databases: China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and CQVIP, were searched. Studies that analyzed the association of the TGF-β1 polymorphisms with different types of arthritis were included. OR, 95% confidence interval and P value were calculated in three models including allele, dominant and recessive models, using D + L method. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. TGF-β1 869T > C polymorphism was significantly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in allele and recessive models, but not in dominant model (allele model T vs. C: OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.13-1.49, P < 0.001; recessive model CC vs. TT + TC: OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.43-0.76, P < 0.001; dominant model TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.99-1.45, P = 0.063). Additionally, allele and recessive models showed that TGF-β1 -509C > T was significantly correlated with RA susceptibility, while dominant model revealed nonsignificant correlation (allele model: C vs. T: OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.00-2.28; P = 0.049; recessive model: TT vs. CC + TC: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.37-0.72, P = 0.000; dominant model: CC vs. TT + TC: OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 0.79-2.76; P = 0.223). However, no significant association was found between TGF-β1 polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or osteoarthritis (OA) risk. This study demonstrated that 869T > C, -509 C > T polymorphisms of TGF-β1 gene were associated with increased susceptibility of RA, while polymorphisms of TGF-β1 gene were not associated with OA and AS. These findings suggest that studying TGF-β1 genotype may be useful in the prevention and management of RA. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the association of TGF-β1 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility of OA and AS.

Association between gene polymorphisms of TGF-β and Smad3 and susceptibility to arthritis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TGF- β and Smad3 genes and arthritis.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was performed in STATA 14.0, with publication bias and meta-regression analysis. All types of arthritis were included, and subgroup analyses were performed to interpret variations among different types of arthritis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two qualified studieswere selected to analyze the pooled accuracy, and 4 SNP sites were involved. The analysis of the TGFB1 SNP rs1800470 showed an association with arthritis in allelic (P = 0.011), homozygous (P = 0.034) and recessive (P = 0.021) genetic models. The analysis of the TGFB1 SNP rs1800471 demonstrated a close association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in homozygous (P = 0.000, 95%) and recessive (P = 0.008) models. The analysis of the SMAD3 SNP rs12901499 revealed a close association with osteoarthritis (OA) in the allelic (P = 0.001) model.

CONCLUSION

This research showed that genetic variants of the TGF-β pathway impact arthritis. The polymorphisms rs1800470, rs1800471 and rs12901499 were correlated with a higher prevalence of arthritis.

Genetic Case-Control Study for Eight Polymorphisms Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which has a significant socio-economic impact. The aim of the current study was to investigate eight candidate RA susceptibility loci to identify the associated variants in Egyptian population. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (MTHFR—C677T and A1298C, TGFβ1 T869C, TNFB A252G, and VDR—ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI) were tested by genotyping patients with RA (n = 105) and unrelated controls (n = 80). Associations were tested using multiplicative, dominant, recessive, and co-dominant models. Also, the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the VDR SNPs was measured to detect any indirect association. By comparing RA patients with controls (TNFB, BsmI, and TaqI), SNPs were associated with RA using all models. MTHFR C677T was associated with RA using all models except the recessive model. TGFβ1 and MTHFR A1298C were associated with RA using the dominant and the co-dominant models. The recessive model represented the association for ApaI variant. There were no significant differences for FokI and the presence of RA disease by the used models examination. For LD results, There was a high D′ value between BsmI and FokI (D′ = 0.91), but the r² value between them was poor. All the studied SNPs may contribute to the susceptibility of RA disease in Egyptian population except for FokI SNP.

Association of transforming growth factor-β1 T869C, G915C, and C509T gene polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis risk

The association of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) is an important signaling pathway factor involving extracellular matrix regulation, and its gene polymorphisms with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently still fiercely debated. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to determine if TGFβ1 T869C, G915C, and C509T gene polymorphisms correlate with the risk of developing RA. Association reports were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) on 1 May 2013, and eligible studies were recruited and synthesized to identifying patterns among study results. T869C TT genotype in the overall population was associated with increased RA risk (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02-1.60, p = 0.03). In the sub-group analysis, T869C TT genotype was shown to be a risk factor for RA, and T869C C allele or CC genotype a protective factor against RA disease in Asians, but these associations were not found in Caucasians. Furthermore, TGFβ1 C509T TT genotype was distinctly associated with RA susceptibility, but the T allele and CC genotype were not. TGFβ1 G915C gene polymorphism was not associated with RA susceptibility. In conclusion, the TT genotype of TGFβ1 T869C was associated with RA risk in the overall population and Asians. Furthermore, CC genotype or C allele was determined to be protective factors with respect to the RA risk in the overall population and Asians. Nonetheless, additional studies are required to firmly establish a correlation between the aforementioned polymorphisms and RA risk.

An overview on the genetic of rheumatoid arthritis: a never-ending story

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory, multi-factorial disease sustained by environmental and genetic factors. These seem to be necessary but not sufficient in the disease development, nonetheless they can be responsible of different clinical pictures and response to therapy, and they can represent potential therapeutic targets. Several genes have been indicated so far in the pathogenesis of RA. The most important region is the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) that contributes to approximately half of the genetic susceptibility for RA. The association seems to be stronger or specific for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies positive disease. Several alleles in the epitope-recognition part of the HLA molecule that show the highest association with RA susceptibility, also share a common string of amminoacid residues (the so-called shared-epitope hypothesis). Other variants in potentially pathogenic genes located in non-MHC regions have been implicated by recently performed genome wide analysis studies. These genes include PTPN22, TRAF1-C5, PADI4, STAT4. Other polymorphisms seem to be responsible for more aggressive disease phenotype such as those located at TNF, IL-1, IL-6, IL-4, IL-5, OPN, PRF1. However, still nowadays, the genetic background of RA remains to be clearly depicted, and the efforts in the post-genomic era can bring to an estimation of the real likelihood of the genetic effect on RA. Finally, the discovery of new genes associated with the disease can be relevant in finding potential biomarkers, potentially useful in disease diagnosis and treatment.

The functional class evaluated in rheumatoid arthritis is associated with soluble TGF-β1 serum levels but not with G915C (Arg25Pro) TGF-β1 polymorphism

The influence of genetic factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been described, including several cytokine genes such as transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) with regulatory effects on lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts, which are important in the RA pathogenesis. The G915C TGF-β1 polymorphism has been associated with soluble TGF-β1 (sTGF-β) serum levels. Thus, we studied the association of G915C (Arg25Pro) TGF-β1 polymorphism with sTGF-β1 serum levels in RA. We enrolled 120 RA patients and 120 control subjects (CS). The G915C TGF-β1 polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, and sTGF-β1 serum levels were quantified using an ELISA kit. The genotype frequency of G915C TGF-β1 polymorphism in RA and CS was G/G (91.7%), G/C (8.3%), C/C (0%) and G/G (85.8%), G/C (14.2%), C/C (0%), respectively, without significant differences. Moreover, the G/G TGF-β1 genotype carriers presented the highest disability index evaluated for the Spanish HAQ-DI score (P < 0.001). In addition, the sTGF-β1 serum levels were higher in RA (182.2 ng/mL) than CS (160.2 ng/mL), there was not significant difference. However, we found a positive correlation between the sTGF-β1 serum levels and the functional class (r = 0.472, P = 0.023). In conclusion, the G915C (Arg25Pro) TGF-β1 polymorphism is not associated with RA, but the sTGF-β1 serum levels are related with the functional class in RA.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 869T/C, but not interleukin-6 -174G/C, polymorphism associates with hypertension in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Part of the deleterious effects of systemic inflammation on the cardiovascular system of patients with RA may be exerted via increased propensity to hypertension. IL-6 and TGF-beta1 are important regulators of the inflammatory response. In some, but not all, studies, IL6 -174G/C (rs1800795) and TGFB1 869T/C (rs1982073) gene polymorphisms have been associated with hypertension in the general population. The present study addressed their potential association with hypertension in RA patients.

METHODS

TGFB1 869T/C and IL6 -174G/C were identified in 400 RA patients and 422 local, non-RA controls using real-time PCR and melting curve analysis. Binary logistic and linear regression models were used to identify the independence of the effects of the polymorphisms on hypertension.

RESULTS

Genotypic and allelic frequencies of the two polymorphisms were similar in RA and controls. Within the RA group, there was no significant association between IL6 -174G/C and hypertension, but TGF 869T-allele carriers had significantly increased prevalence of hypertension compared with CC homozygotes (70.2 vs 55.2%; P = 0.023). This association remained significant after adjustment for other hypertension risk factors and medication (odds ratio = 1.96; 95% CI 1.02, 3.77; P = 0.044), and was more pronounced in patients with increased systemic inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests an association of TGFB1 869T/C, but not of IL6 -174G/C, with hypertension in RA patients. If this finding is confirmed in prospective studies, this polymorphism could be used as a screening tool for RA patients with higher risk of developing hypertension and lead to increased surveillance and earlier treatment.

Analysis of common transforming growth factor beta-1 gene polymorphisms in gastric and duodenal ulcer disease: pilot study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) has been shown to be an important cytokine that plays a role in cell proliferation, differentiation, tissue injury repair and ulcer healing. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate if common polymorphisms Leu10Pro, Arg25Pro and C-509T within the TGF-beta1 gene are associated with susceptibility to gastric and duodenal ulcer disease in Russians.

METHOD

Blood samples from 377 unrelated patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer disease and 226 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were used to determine TGF-beta1 gene polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

Leu10Pro substitution in the signal peptide of TGF-beta1 has been found to be associated with susceptibility to gastric ulcer (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-2.77). A genotype combination of 10Leu/Leu x 25Arg/Arg x -509C/C was also associated with susceptibility to gastric ulcer disease (OR 1.81, P = 0.01). In addition, the frequency of a combination of genotypes 10Pro/Pro x 25Arg/Pro x -509C/T was statistically lower in patients with duodenal ulcer than in controls (OR 0.42, P = 0.05). A significant difference (P = 0.04) in the distribution of rare haplotypes of the TGF-beta1 gene between patients with duodenal ulcer and healthy controls has been found. Polymorphism Leu10Pro was in positive linkage disequilibrium with C-509T polymorphism (coefficient D = 0.191; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the Leu10Pro and C-509T polymorphisms may be involved in the modulation of expression of the TGF-beta1 gene, and therefore a predisposition to peptic ulcer disease could be linked to particular alleles of this gene. In particular, a possible role of TGF-beta1 in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer disease is discussed.

Association of polymorphism in the transforming growth factor {beta}1 gene with disease outcome and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether polymorphism in the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) gene is associated with disease outcome in rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

208 patients with established rheumatoid arthritis were genotyped for the TGFbeta1 T869C polymorphism using an amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) method. Disease severity was assessed by measuring radiographic damage by Larsen score and functional outcome by the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Patients were tracked on the NHS central register for notification of death, and the relation between TGFbeta1 polymorphism and mortality was analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Patients carrying a TGFbeta1 T allele had a higher mean HAQ score than those without this allele (1.60 v 1.22, p = 0.04). The T allele was also associated with higher five year mean area under the curve (MAUC) erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and nodular disease. Larsen score was higher in patients with the TT genotype compared with CC + CT genotypes, although this was not significant after correction for disease duration. There was a trend of increasing mortality risk with T allele dose after adjustment for age, sex, and disease duration (hazard ratio = 1.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.4), p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

TGFbeta1 T869C gene polymorphism is associated with disease outcome in rheumatoid arthritis. Carriage of the T allele (putatively associated with decreased TGFbeta1 production) was associated with increased inflammatory activity and poor functional outcome, while increasing T allele dose was associated with worse survival.