To determine if the mutations in the CARD15/NOD2 gene predisposing to Crohn's disease (CD) contribute also to the genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The frequencies of the three commonest mutations of CARD15/NOD2 predisposing to CD (2104C > T, 2722G>C and 3020insC) were determined in 210 RA patients and 227 controls.
Allelic frequencies of the CARD15/NOD2 mutations in RA patients (2104C>T, 2.8%; 2722G>C, 0.9%; and 3020insC, 2.4%) did not differ significantly from the controls (2104C>T, 5.3%; 2722G>C, 0.7%; and 3020insC, 1.1%).
There was no evidence of association between the commonest CD CARD15/NOD2 mutations and RA susceptibility.