Investigation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective: This study investigated the frequency of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphisms and their association with clinical and laboratory features in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Material and Methods: A cohort of SLE patients presenting to the tertiary rheumatology department center was enrolled. Agesex matched healthy individuals without a history of rheumatologic/systemic disease served as controls. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CRP gene (rs1130864, rs1205, and rs1800947) were genotyped in both groups. The genotype frequencies for rs1205 (CC/CT/TT), rs1130864 (CC/CT/TT), and rs1800947 (CC/GC) were compared between SLE patients and controls. Associations between SNPs and clinical manifestations of SLE patients were assessed. Results: This study included 74 SLE patients and 72 healthy controls. In the SLE group, genotype frequencies were as follows: Rs1205: CC, 43.7 % (n=31); CT, 46.5 % (n=33); and TT, 9.9 % (n=7); rs1130864: CC, 54.3 % (n=38); CT, 42.9 % (n=30); and TT, 2.9 % (n=2); rs1800947: GC, 93.1 % (n=67). No statistically significant differences in SNP frequencies were observed between SLE patients and controls. The rs1205 CC genotype was associated with higher prevalence of oral ulcers and lower complement levels in SLE patients. Conclusion: While no association with disease susceptibility was identified, CRP gene polymorphisms may influence specific clinical features of SLE patients.