R. Caliz et al., HLA class II gene polymorphisms in antiphospholipid syndrome: haplotype analysis in 83 Caucasoid patients, RHEUMATOLOG, 40(1), 2001, pp. 31-36
Objectives. We investigated the association between HLA class II haplotypes
and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
Methods. HLA DRB1, DQB1 and DQA1 genotypes were determined by the polymeras
e chain reaction using sequence-specific primers in 83 Caucasoid British pa
tients with APS. The genotype frequencies were compared between subgroups o
f patients acid 177 healthy controls.
Results. DPB1*0604/5/6/7/9-DQA1*0102-DRB1*1302 and DQB1*0303-DQA1*0201-DRB1
*0701 haplotypes showed significantly positive correlations with APS [P = 0
.0087 and P = 0.0012, respectively]. The association of the former was enha
nced in primary APS patients with anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies (ant
i-beta 2GPI) [odds ratio 6.2, 95% confidence interval (2.2-17.6). P = 0.001
4, corrected P = 0.042].
Conclusions. These alleles and haplotypes might affect anti-beta 2GPI produ
ction and APS development in different and heterogeneous fashion.