Interleukin-6 in relation to other proinflammatory cytokines, chemotactic activity and neutrophil activation in rheumatoid synovial fluid. Issue 1 (January 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Leeuwen, M A; Westra, J; Limburg, P C; van Riel, P L; van Rijswijk, M H
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 54:Issue 1(1995)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 1995-01
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.54.1.33
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

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.