ORIGINAL PAPER
Correlation between double-stranded DNA and rheumatoid arthritis
1
School of Basic Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
2
Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
3
North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, 063000, China
4
School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
5
School of Clinical Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
6
North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
7
Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Engineering and Integrated Utilization of Saline-Alkali Land, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
8
Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2024-11-24
Final revision date: 2025-04-06
Acceptance date: 2025-04-08
Online publication date: 2026-01-27
Corresponding author
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease influenced by environmental factors. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) serves as an antigen in various autoimmune diseases and is affected by meteorological factors. However, the relationships among the circulating dsDNA level, RA inflammatory immune mechanisms, and seasonal meteorological factors remain unclear.
Material and Methods:
Serum dsDNA levels were measured in patients with RA and healthy controls, and correlations with archived data on seasonal meteorological changes were examined. Quantitative PCR was performed to assess the gene expression of relevant receptor markers in the peripheral circulation of patients and controls.
Results:
The mean serum dsDNA level was significantly higher in patients with RA than in controls (1.16 ±0.36 ng/ml vs. 0.92 ±0.20 ng/ml, p < 0.001). The expression of genes related to dsDNA receptors, single-stranded RNA receptors, dsRNA receptors, ALR inflammasome-associated inflammatory factors, interferon (IFN) 1, IFN1, and low-density lipoprotein was upregulated in patients with RA.
Conclusions:
dsDNA levels in the peripheral circulation of patients with RA are elevated and affected by seasonal climatic factors. This elevation enhances the expression of ALR inflammasome-related inflammatory factors and type I IFN. These findings provide a foundation for future investigations into the mechanisms underlying the link between climate variability and RA progression.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease influenced by environmental factors. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) serves as an antigen in various autoimmune diseases and is affected by meteorological factors. However, the relationships among the circulating dsDNA level, RA inflammatory immune mechanisms, and seasonal meteorological factors remain unclear.
Material and Methods:
Serum dsDNA levels were measured in patients with RA and healthy controls, and correlations with archived data on seasonal meteorological changes were examined. Quantitative PCR was performed to assess the gene expression of relevant receptor markers in the peripheral circulation of patients and controls.
Results:
The mean serum dsDNA level was significantly higher in patients with RA than in controls (1.16 ±0.36 ng/ml vs. 0.92 ±0.20 ng/ml, p < 0.001). The expression of genes related to dsDNA receptors, single-stranded RNA receptors, dsRNA receptors, ALR inflammasome-associated inflammatory factors, interferon (IFN) 1, IFN1, and low-density lipoprotein was upregulated in patients with RA.
Conclusions:
dsDNA levels in the peripheral circulation of patients with RA are elevated and affected by seasonal climatic factors. This elevation enhances the expression of ALR inflammasome-related inflammatory factors and type I IFN. These findings provide a foundation for future investigations into the mechanisms underlying the link between climate variability and RA progression.
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