Previously reported PDE3A-SLCO1C1 genetic variant does not correlate with anti-TNF response in large UK rheumatoid arthritis cohort.

Aim: A genetic variant has recently reached genome-wide significance for association with TNF-inhibitor response in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Here we undertake a replication study in a UK Caucasian population to test for association with TNF-inhibitor response. Materials and Methods: The genetic variant, rs3794271, located within the PDE3A-SLCO1C1 locus was analysed for correlation with treatment response using both the EULAR classification criteria and absolute change in (Δ)DAS28 scores as outcome measures.Results: Genotype data was available from 1,750 TNF-inhibitor treated individuals. However, no evidence for association was observed (EULAR p-value=0.91 and ΔDAS28 p-value=0.93). Furthermore, no-significant associations were observed upon stratification by the anti-TNF received (p-values>0.05).Conclusion: In the largest replication cohort conducted to date, no evidence for association was observed.