Abstract
Objective-To evaluate the relation between synovial fluid (SF) concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other mediators of inflammation which are responsible for joint degradation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods-We measured IL-6, IL-1 beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, IL-8, and polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) chemotaxis and degranulation in SF from patients with RA (n = 30) in the early phase of the disease.
Results-In a cross-sectional study IL-6 concentrations correlated with those of IL-1 beta, IL-8 and with PMNL activation as reflected by lactoferrin concentrations. In a longitudinal study, changes in IL-6 concentrations correlated with changes in TNF alpha, IL-8 and lactoferrin concentrations.
Conclusion-IL-6 in SF appears to reflect the local proinflammatory, potentially erosive activity in RA. This supports the use of acute phase proteins, which are mainly induced by IL-6, as variables to monitor the course of RA.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 33-38 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan-1995 |
Keywords
- TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR
- COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR
- BIOLOGICAL-FLUIDS
- DISEASE-ACTIVITY
- ARTHRITIS
- SERUM
- MACROPHAGE
- PROTEIN
- TISSUE
- INFLAMMATION