Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incessant synovial infammation of an autoimmune origin, destroying
articular cartilages and bones. Galectins are an evolutionarily conserved family of immune-modulatory animal lectins
detected in a number of immune cells like T cells, fbroblasts and macrophages. Galectin 9 (Gal-9) has been the sub‑
ject of many studies for being linked to regulation of both innate and adaptive immune reactions. The objective
of the study was to evaluate the link between the Galectin-9 gene (LGALS9) polymorphisms and the susceptibility
of RA in Egyptian patients, as well as, detection of the serum level of Gal-9 in RA and its association with LGALS9 poly‑
morphisms, the activity of RA and radiological damage.
Methods A study of 85 participants; group (I): 60 RA cases and group (II): 25 apparently healthy subjects. RA Disease
activity index (DAS-28) and Larsen index score were assessed. LGALS9 gene and serum Gal-9 were investigated.
Results rs4239242 TT genotype and T allele occurred more frequently in RA cases than controls with a signifcant
diference (P=0.006; P