Genetic variants in the <i>HLA–DRB1</i> gene are associated with Kashin‐Beck disease in the Tibetan population

Abstract

These findings, obtained in plasma samples from Tibetan patients with KBD and healthy control subjects from the same regions, confirm the role of selenium and iodine deficiencies in the development of KBD. Moreover, genetic variants in the HLA-DRB1 gene significantly increase the susceptibility to KBD in this population.