Effect of cyclosporin A on interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of cyclosporin A (CyA) therapy on circulating concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
Twenty four RA patients with active disease were studied. Plasma was collected before and after 16 weeks of CyA treatment. IL-6 was measured by B9 bioassay and sIL-2R by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).


RESULTS
The initial median IL-6 concentration of 165 IU/ml decreased significantly to 71 IU/ml after 16 weeks (p < 0.05). Similarly, the initial median plasma sIL-2R value of 665 U/ml decreased significantly to 570 U/ml (p < 0.05). This decrease was accompanied by an improvement in clinical parameters of disease activity. Some association between sIL-2R, IL-6, haemoglobin, and platelets was also observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has demonstrated that, in vivo, CyA therapy in RA can significantly reduce circulating concentrations of IL-6 and sIL-2R. Modulation of both T and non-T cell derived cytokines may be one mechanism by which CyA improves rheumatoid disease. Whether this is a direct effect of CyA on the cells within the rheumatoid joint producing these cytokines or an indirect effect mediated by other cytokines which can influence IL-6 and Il-2R values remains to be determined.
Crilly
A
A
University Department of Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom.
Kolta
S
S
Dougados
M
M
Sturrock
R D
RD
Amor
B
B
Capell
H A
HA
Madhok
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D006454:Hemoglobins; D015850:Interleukin-6; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D016572:Cyclosporine