Association of 86 bp variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) with susceptibility and clinical activity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic disease of unknown etiology. Several studies have reported a variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) 86 bp (rs2234663) in the intron 2 of IL1RN gene with RA risk. The present study was designed to determine the frequencies of this polymorphism in patients with RA and control subjects (CS) and its association with RA in a western Mexican population.