 |
Cytokines may be an important part of the promotion and perpetuation of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis.1,2
When part of the body becomes inflamed the immune system responds by producing
cytokines. The cytokine known as interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a specific inflammatory
mediator that is produced in areas of inflammation. Because rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) causes inflammation, production of IL-1 is increased
beyond normal levels.3,4
Interleukin-1 is a biological response by the immune system to inflammation,
but an overabundance of the chemical in the afflicted area actually perpetuates
the inflammation.5 The presence
of IL-1 in the area of the pannus induces production of osteclasts that
further exacerbate the inflammation.6
Increased levels of IL-1 in synovial tissue have also been associated with
greater attrition of bone and cartilage.7,8
In this way, too much IL-1 leads to additional pain, swelling, and stiffness of
the joints and may play a major role in the destructive process of
RA.9,10
| References |
| |
| 1 |
|
Klippel JH. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 12th ed.
Atlanta, Ga: Arthritis Foundation; 2001:213. |
| 2 |
|
The Critical Role of IL-1. Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis; 2000:1 |
| 3 |
|
Klippel JH. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 12th ed.
Atlanta, Ga: Arthritis Foundation; 2001:216. |
| 4 |
|
Kineret® (anakinra) Prescribing Information. |
| 5 |
|
Kineret® (anakinra) Prescribing Information. |
| 6 |
|
The Critical Role of IL-1. Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis; 2000:1 |
| 7 |
|
Klippel JH. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 12th ed.
Atlanta, Ga: Arthritis Foundation; 2001:216. |
| 8 |
|
The Critical Role of IL-1. Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis; 2000:1 |
| 9 |
|
Kineret® (anakinra) Prescribing Information. |
| 10 |
|
Weinblatt ME. The Arthritis
Action Program: An Integrated Plan of
Traditional and Complementary Therapies.
NY: Simon & Schuster; 2000:157-158;161. |
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