HLA-DQ3 IS ASSOCIATED WITH GRAVES-DISEASE IN AFRICAN-AMERICANS

HLA heterogeneity occurs in various ethnic groups and has been signifi cantly associated with Graves' disease. In this study we have determin ed that DQ3 is associated with Graves' disease in African-Americans. H uman leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing of D-region antigens in 139 contro ls and 45 Graves' disease patients reveals significant differences for HLA-DR2, DR9, DQ1, and DQ3. The latter remained significant after cor rection. Increases in HLA-DR9 and DR3 are associated with increases in DQ3 and DQ2, respectively. The decrease in DR2 is associated with a d ecrease in DQ1. The associated increases and decreases in DR with DQ a ntigens probably reflect linkage disequilibrium. Patients were evaluat ed for autoantibodies against microsomal antigens and/or against thyro globulin. All of the normal control volunteers were negative for thyro id antibodies and thirteen percent of patients produced autoantibodies . No significant associations were detected for antibody production, t ype of treatment required, age of onset, family history of Graves', st atus of T-3, T-4 levels, goiter and/or ophthalmopathy.