HLA-TNF haplotype heterogeneity in Greek SLE patients

Objective. To examine TNF microsatellite allele frequencies in SLE patients in the Greek population, where disease susceptibility is less associated with HLA-DR3 haplotypes. Methods. A cohort of 46 Greek SLE patients were investigated. Allele frequencies for the TNF microsatellite markers a, b, c and d were determined using a fluorescence based DNA fragment sizing technique. HLA class II typing was performed using a molecular based technique. Results. Associations between SLE and DRB1*1501, *1601 and *0701 were observed and DRB1*0301 was only marginally increased in patients: Linkage disequilibrium was found between DRB1*1501 and TNF a11 and also for DR3 and TNF a2, b3, d2. Stratification of patients suggested that DRB1*1501 and TNF a11 frequencies were higher in SLE patients with renal disease and TNF a2 and b3 frequencies in those without, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions. SLE in this Greek population appears to be associated with a number of HLA-DRB1 alleles. The development of renal complications in these patients may be related to the TNF polymorphism encoded on these HLA haplotypes.