In vivo pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in normal and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
BACKGROUND
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, deforming arthritis that can lead to disabilities and poor quality of life. Cytokines are protein mediators of inflammation and are produced as a result of the activation of various cellular reactions. They are the final mediators and/or regulators of the inflammatory process.


METHODS
The sera from 64 RA patients were assayed for both Th-1 and Th-2 related cytokines and soluble TNF-alpha receptors (IFN-gamma, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, sTNF-R1 and sTNFR2) using ELISA.


RESULTS
The pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18 and TNF- alpha) were significantly elevated in RA patients, while TGF-beta, an immunomodulatory cytokine, was elevated in control individuals. When the RA patients were categorised as active or inactive based on DAS scores, similar cytokines profiles were observed in both RA sub-groups. However, assays of sTNF-R1 and sTNFR-2 were noted to be significantly elevated in inactive RA patients when compared to active patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that local production of cytokine inhibitors is capable of diminishing disease activity and cytokine activity.
Sivalingam
Suppiah Paramalingam
SP
Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. ssuppiah@dso.org.sg
Thumboo
Julian
J
Vasoo
Sheila
S
Thio
Szu Tien
ST
Tse
Connie
C
Fong
Kok Yong
KY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D047888:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I / Q000737:chemistry; D047889:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II / Q000737:chemistry; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000737:chemistry
D016207:Cytokines; D047888:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I; D047889:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta