Do polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor gene that modulate glucocorticoid sensitivity are associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
The minor alleles of the 9β and ER22/23EK polymorphisms seem to be associated with increased predisposition to develop RA. Conversely, the minor alleles of the N363 S and BclI polymorphisms are associated with reduced susceptibility to develop RA. These opposite associations suggest that constitutionally determined GC resistance may predispose to development of auto-immunity, at least in RA, and vice versa.
Substantial shortcomings in reporting exist in aspects of study design important to determine whether a study is applicable to specific populations of interest.