Abstract
Procainamide and hydralazine inhibit T cell DNA methylation and induce autoreactivity in cloned CD4+ T cells. These drugs also induce an autoimmune syndrome, suggesting a possible relationship between DNA hypomethylation, T cell autoreactivity, and certain autoimmune diseases. To test this relationship, DNA methylation was studied in T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and was found to be impaired. These results support a relationship between DNA hypomethylation and some forms of autoimmune disease.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / enzymology
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / metabolism*
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Autoimmunity
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DNA / metabolism*
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DNA Modification Methylases / metabolism
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Female
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Humans
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / enzymology
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / metabolism*
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Male
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Methylation
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Middle Aged
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
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T-Lymphocytes / enzymology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
Substances
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DNA
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DNA Modification Methylases