Synovial fluid concentration of five different cytokines in rheumatic diseases

Article Abstract:

Cytokines are naturally occurring factors that function in inflammation and tissue repair, but are also capable of causing tissue damage and contributing to the disease process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory joint disease. Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1-beta), interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon alpha, and interferon-gamma are all cytokines. IL-1-beta and TNF-alpha can cause deterioration of the bone and cartilage tissue, and can activate the production of factors that contribute to the destructive process in RA, such as prostaglandins, proteases, and highly reactive oxygen species. Cytokines may also activate the expression of genes, such as the major histocompatibility gene complex, which controls the production of inflammatory cells and factors. The relationship of cytokine activity in synovial (joint) fluid to diagnosis or disease pattern was assessed in 68 patients with either inflammatory or non-inflammatory joint disease. The levels of IL-1-beta, IL-2, TNF-alpha, and the interferons alfa and gamma were measured in patients with RA, osteoarthritis, and spondarthritis, an inflammatory disease of the vertebrae. IL-1-beta levels in synovial fluid were highest in patients with RA, intermediate in patients with spondarthritis, and lowest in patients with osteoarthritis. IL-2 and TNF-alpha were lower in RA and spondarthritis than in osteoarthritis, a non-inflammatory joint disease. IL-2 levels were correlated with TNF-alpha levels in all patients, but there was no relationship between IL-1-beta levels and IL-2 or TNF-alpha levels, or between the interferons and the other cytokines. A variety of cytokine patterns were identified. Two control subjects without arthritis had lower levels of IL-1-beta but higher levels of other cytokines as compared with arthritic patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Arthritis

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Interleukin-1, immune activation pathways, and different mechanisms in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) belongs to a family of proteins called cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins that are made by cells in the immune system (the body's natural defense system for fighting infection), by cells that form the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelial cells), and by cells in joint tissue (fibroblasts). IL-1 can produce a wide variety of effects in many different parts of the body. In the immune system, IL-1 plays an important role in activating certain T cells that kill microorganisms that invade the body, and it plays an important role in provoking an inflammatory response. In joint tissue, IL-1 causes enzymes to be made that can degrade or destroy the joint tissue. Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that destroys the joint tissue, and patients with this disease have high levels of these enzymes in their joints. Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, IL-1 has been found in the joint fluid (synovial fluid) of patients with osteoarthritis, and it may be involved in the destruction of joint tissue. IL-1 has been found in the blood and in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In a recent study, the amount of IL-1 present in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis appeared to be related to the severity of the disease. It is not known if IL-1 causes arthritis or if IL-1 is made during the course of the disease. The exact role that IL-1 plays in arthritis remains to be determined. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Interleukin-1

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Synovial fluid and serum concentrations of aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen in healthy volunteers and patients with joint disease

Article Abstract:

Type III procollagen amino propeptide (PIIINP) blood levels may be useful in determining the presence of joint disease but not in distinguishing the type of joint disease. Researchers analyzed and compared PIIINP levels in blood and knee joint fluid samples from 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 40 patients with osteoarthritis, 12 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and 16 healthy volunteers (controls). They also analyzed knee X-rays from the patients with joint disease. PIINP levels in both the knee and blood samples were significantly higher in the patients with joint disease as compared to the controls. Joint fluid levels of PIIINP in patients with RA, particularly those with joint deterioration, were higher than the patients with OA or PsA. There did not seem to be a correlation between blood levels of PIIINP and type of joint disease as seen on the X-rays.

Diagnosis, Joint diseases

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