Association between nuclear factor of activated T cells C2 polymorphisms and treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Nuclear factor of activated T cells C2 (NFATC2) is known as a member of the transcription family and enhances tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) synthesis in human T cells at the gene transcription level. Although NFATC2 has a potential role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression and treatment, no study has investigated the association between NFATC2 gene polymorphisms and response status in RA patients receiving TNF-alpha inhibitors. This study aimed to examine the effects of polymorphisms in NFATC2, a TNF-alpha transcription factor, on response to TNF-alpha inhibitors. METHODS: This prospective observational study was performed in two centers. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were investigated. Good responders were defined as patients with disease activity score (DAS)28