Study title

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are chronic inflammatory joint diseases posing a significant burden to patients, their families, and society. They are caused by an interaction between a strong genetic predisposition and environmental factors. RA patients also have increased mortality rates and higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarctions and strokes. The objectives of the project are to test whether risk scores based on published genetic risk variants may predict the risk of RA or AS, if genetic risk scores for RA and for cardiovascular events may predict the risk of mortality or myocardial infarctions in RA patients, and if prediction is improved when adding non-genetic variables. The project uses data from the population-based Nord-Trøndelag Health Study performed in 1995-7 and 2006-8, including questionnaire data on health and lifestyle, data from a clinical examination, and blood samples. Using hospital files, diagnoses were ascertained in 545 RA cases and 190 AS cases. Control data are available from approximately 36,000 individuals. Genotyping of a large number of genetic variants has been done, and linkages have been performed to the National Causes of Death Registry and the Myocardial Infarction Registry of Middle Norway. The main challenge is whether genotypes for all the previously published genetic variations will be available. The findings from the project will increase our understanding of how important the published genetic risk variants are relative to non-genetic risk factors in a general population, how important the contribution from disease-specific risk genes are to the overall risk of cardiovascular events in RA patients, and whether genetic risk factors for cardiovascular events identified in the general population have the same effects in RA patients. Improved predictive risk scores may also permit identification and preventive measures in individuals at high risk of disease development....