VARIABILITA GEOGRAFICA E FATTORI PREDITTIVI DELL'ARTRITE REUMATOIDE. LO STUDIO SUI PIMA INDIANS

Pima Indians of Arizona, a native American population, are subjects of a longitudinal study that has shown the unusually high prevalence and incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in the population. Incidence data form the basis for analysis of risk factors. The present paper reviews the available results. Data suggest that several factors have a predictive role for the development of RA. Among them, Rheumatoid Factor is discussed and data reported concerning the effect of its titer, idiotype and level of galactosylation. Variations in serum cholesterol concentration before the onset of RA and characteristics of the genotype are additional factors analysed. Data provide evidence on the presence of several factors that can be considered markers of the earliest phases of the pathogenetic process of RA.