Objective: To investigate the relation of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: We studied HLA-DMA and DMB alleles in 153 patients with RA and 138 healthy controls using the amplification created restriction site method and digestion with restriction enzymes.
Results: There was no significant difference in frequencies of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles between patients with RA and controls. The HLA-DMA and DMB alleles were not related to extraarticular involvement, seropositivity for rheumatoid factor, or bone erosion. There was also no significant difference in frequencies of HLA-DMA and DMB alleles among DR4-positive and DR4-negative patients and controls.
Conclusion: HLA-DMA and DMB do not appear to be associated with the pathogenesis of RA.