We conclude that variant MBL2 structural genotype constitutes a significant risk factor for reactive amyloidosis in RA and that the increased risk is probably related to MBL-mediated impairment of mononuclear phagocyte function.
MBL variant alleles appear to be weak susceptibility markers for RA, and patients with early polyarthritis and homozygous for MBL structural variant alleles have a higher risk of developing early erosive RA.
MBL genotypes and plasma concentrations were retrospectively determined in 140 RA patients who were selected from a major cohort followed up prospectively for up to 32 years.