Gene Expressions of CTLA-4 and CCL2 in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system erroneously targets the body’s own tissues, primarily causing chronic inflammation in the synovial joints (inflammatory arthritis) and potentially affecting other organs and systems (extra-articular manifestations). RA pathogenesis is complicated and it includes genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and dysregulation of the immune system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between CTLA-4 and CCL2 gene expressions in RA patients. Methods: A total of 120 subjects were involved in a case-control study, including 60 patients with RA and sixty apparently healthy volunteers as a control group. Measurement of the expression levels of CTLA-4 and CCL2 genes was conducted utilizing the real-time PCR methodology. Results: The mean of expression level of the CTLA-4 and CCL2 genes was considerably higher in patients with RA compared with healthy controls (P<0.001), with a significant negative correlation between CTLA-4 and CCL2 gene expressions (R= -0. 248, P=0.04) in patients with RA. Conclusion: This study concluded that CTLA-4 and CCL2 genes have an associated role in the pathogenesis of RA. The balance between the immune-inhibiting CTLA-4 and the inflammation-promoting CCL2 reduces severity of chronic inflammation and tissue damage.