Previously reported PDE3A–SLCO1C1 genetic variant does not correlate with anti-TNF response in a large UK rheumatoid arthritis cohort

Aim: A genetic variant has recently reached genome-wide significance for association with TNF-inhibitor response in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Here we undertake a replication study in a UK Caucasian population to test for association with TNFinhibitor response. Materials & methods: The genetic variant, rs3794271, located within the PDE3A–SLCO1C1 locus was analyzed for correlation with treatment response using both the EULAR classification criteria and absolute change in (Δ) DAS28 scores as outcome measures. Results: Genotype data were available from 1750 TNF-inhibitor treated individuals. However, no evidence for association was observed (EULAR: p = 0.91 and ΔDAS28: p = 0.93). Furthermore, no significant associations were observed upon stratification by the anti-TNF received (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In the largest replication cohort conducted to date, no evidence for association was observed.