CYB5A polymorphism increases androgens and reduces risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by decreased androgen levels, which was the first hormonal abnormality described. Several studies indicated that steroidogenesis is directed towards endogenous glucocorticoids at the expense of androgens. The decisive step governing androgen synthesis is the 17,20-lyase activity of the CYP17A1 gene-encoded enzyme cytochrome P450 17A1. Here, we focused on the role in RA of the critical cofactor for 17,20-lyase activity, cytochrome b5, encoded by the CYB5A gene. Data sets of two genome wide RA association studies (GWAS) were screened for single nucleoti... Mehr ...