Is psoriatic arthritis genetic? Heritability and more – Medical News Today

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and areas where the tendons and ligaments attach to bones. PsA affects all genders equally and typically develops after the age of 30. Studies suggest a genetic link to PsA.

PsA occurs when a person’s immune system is overactive and results in inflammation. A person may also experience pain and swelling in the joints or areas where the tendons and ligaments attach to bone.

Some people who develop PsA also have psoriasis, which is an autoimmune skin condition. People with psoriasis may have thick, scaly patches on their skin.

In this article, we examine whether PsA is genetic and how a person may inherit it. We will also discuss genetic testing for PsA and the early signs of the condition.

Several factors cause PsA, including genetics and environmental factors.

PsA occurs in 20–30% of people with psoriasis. Research suggests a strong genetic link for PsA.

Some studies have identified genetic markers for PsA. A genetic marker is a sequence of DNA that has a precise physical location on a chromosome. Chromosomes are the protein structures that contain the genetic information needed to produce offspring.

Genetic markers may help track the heritability of specific genes or conditions. They may also help determine a person’s likelihood of developing a disease.

Some genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region could be associated with PsA. The HLA region is on the chromosome associated with immune function, and the HLA region is also associated with autoimmune diseases.

A 2021 systematic review found that two HLA region genes, known as HLA-B27 and HLA-B39, could be linked to PsA in psoriasis. The gene IL13 could also be associated with PsA.

Other genes that researchers have identified as having possible associations with PsA include:

• HLA-B57
• HLA-B38
• HLA-C06
• IL-23R
• TNIP1

Between 33–50% of people with PsA have at least one close relative who also has psoriasis or PsA. However, the pattern of heritability is unknown.

A 2020 study found that PsA was a heritable condition, meaning that a parent can pass the condition through their genes to their children.

The study also notes …….

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-psoriatic-arthritis-genetic