Abstract:

Objective
To investigate the correlation between the polymorphisms of 4 SNPs of Tim-3 gene and susceptibility of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Ningxia Hui population and provide theory basis for taking precautions against RA. Methods Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP),specific sequence primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) genotyping method were carried out to examine the SNPs at -574, -882,-1541 and 4259 sites of Tim-3 gene,including 111 healthy individuals and 113 RA patients in Ningxia Hui population. Results Both genotypic frequency and allelic frequency at -574,-882,-1541 sites of Tim-3 gene had no significant difference（P>0.05）,while both genotypic frequency and allelic frequency at 4259 site had significant difference between patient group and normal group（P<0.05）. The frequency of allele G in patient group was significantly higher  than that in normal group（P<0.05).Conclusion -574,-882,-1541 and 4259 sites of Tim-3 gene have SNP variations,and 4259 T>G mutation gene is related to the pathogenesis of RA in Ningxia Hui population.

Key words: rheumatoid arthritis;Tim-3 gene;single nucleotide polymorphism;Hui nationality