Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels in serum and synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis

Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in serum and synovial fluid obtained from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee were determined by the chemiluminescence-ELISA (CL-ELISA) method, the sensitivity of which is 100-1,000 times greater than that of the conventional ELISA method. The results were compared with those obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and from healthy subjects. The mean IL-6 and IL-8 levels in synovial fluid indicated higher concentrations in RA than in OA. The IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum were significantly higher in RA and OA relative to controls. Among OA patients in whom remarkable improvement was noted in hydrarthrosis, the synovial fluid IL-6 and IL-8 levels at the initial examination were relatively higher, and were markedly decreased after treatment with sodium hyaluronate (NaHA). Among those in whom no improvement was noted in hydrarthrosis, the synovial fluid IL-6 and IL-8 levels at the time of initial examination were relatively lower, and hydrarthrosis was not significantly improved even after treatment with NaHA. In addition, there was a tendency for the synovial fluid IL-6 and IL-8 levels to decrease as HA levels increased. Evaluation of X-ray findings revealed that the IL-6 levels in synovial fluid at the initial examination in low-grade cases tended to be significantly higher than in high-grade cases. In low-grade cases, as determined by X-ray findings, there was a significant decrease in IL-6 levels in synovial fluid after treatment with NaHA.     

可溶性E-选择素和白介素8与重症肺炎严重程度的相关性研究

目的 探讨可溶性B选择素(sE-选择素)和白介素-8(IL-8)与重症肺炎严重程度的相关性,为预测病情的严重程度、判断预后提供依据.方法采用前瞻性研究方法,选取2007年4月至2008年3月期间人住淄博市中心医院ICU及呼吸科的67例肺炎患者,依据病情严重程度分为重症肺炎组(A组,35例)、非重症肺炎组(B组,32例).A组包括丽个亚组:重症肺炎合并多器官功能不全综合征(MODs)组(A_1组,13例),单纯重症肺炎组(A_2组,22例).另选与患者年龄、性别相匹配的健康查体者作为对照组(C组,30例).所有入选者均排除肿瘤、一月内手术、结缔组织病、糖尿病急性并发症等.应用ELISA方法检测各组sE-选择素和IL-8血清水平,并分析两者之间及两者分别与急性生理慢性健康评分Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ评分)、氧合指数(PaO_2/FiO_2)、中性粒细胞百分数(PMN%)、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)的相关性.数据用SAS 8.2软件,采用t检验、单因素方差分析、X~2检验及直线相关分析处理.结果 A组及B组sE-选择素、IL-8血清水平均明显高于C组(P<0.05),A组中两者水平均高于B组(P<0.05)且A1组两者水平均高于A_2组(P<0.001).相关性分析显示,肺炎患者(A组+B组)sE-选择素水平和IL-8之间呈正相关(r=0.781,P<0.01);两者与APACHEⅡ评分、PMN%、hs-CRP均呈正相关(P<0.01),与PaO_2/FiO_2均呈负相关(P<0.01).结论sE-选择素、IL-8可作为判断重症肺炎病情严重程度并进一步预测预后的指标.     

烧伤患者血浆白介素-8和白介素-10水平的变化

目的：观察严重烧伤患者血浆白介素 ８（ＩＬ ８）和ＩＬ １０ 水平的变化,探讨其与烧伤后全身感染的关系。方法：收集１９ 例严重烧伤患者的血浆,利用酶联免疫吸附（ＥＬＩＳＡ）法测定血浆中ＩＬ ８ 和ＩＬ １０ 水平。结果：烧伤后患者血浆ＩＬ ８ 和ＩＬ １０ 水平急剧升高;非脓毒症患者血浆ＩＬ ８ 和ＩＬ １０ 水平在伤后逐渐降至正常,而脓毒症组患者则急剧升高。３ 例死于脓毒症者血浆ＩＬ ８ 和ＩＬ １０ 持续在高水平状态。结论：烧伤能诱导机体产生ＩＬ ８ 和ＩＬ １０;过高的ＩＬ １０ 可能与烧伤后感染有关     

脑梗死患者血清白细胞介素-10、白细胞介素-8的动态变化及相关研究

目的 探讨脑梗死患者血清抗炎因子白细胞介素-10(IL-10)和炎性因子白细胞介素-8(IL-8)的变化规律及临床意义.方法 采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)定量测定30例脑梗死患者发病第1、3、7、14天和30例正常对照组的血清IL-10、IL-8水平.结果 脑梗死组IL-10在发病后第1、3、7、14天显著高于正常对照组[(12.69±4.90)、(16.75±5.16)、(13.71±5.66)、(13.68±4.80)ng/L vs(8.76±4.22)ng/L;q1=4.32,q3=8.80,q7=5.45,q14=5.42,均P<0.01);IL-8在发病后第1、3、7天显著高于正常对照组[(32.38±17.11)、(33.71±19.86)、(43.92±18.54)ng/L vs(20.25±12.17)ng/L;q1=3.93,q3=4.36,q7=7.67,均P<0.01);IL-10与IL-8不相关.结论 IL-10、IL-8 均参与急性脑梗死的病理生理过程.     

结核分枝杆菌感染者白细胞介素4和白细胞介素17A的检测

目的检测隐性结核感染者、活动性结核患者及健康人群白细胞介素(IL)-4和IL-17A水平。方法选择已确诊的活动性结核患者、隐性结核感染者及健康对照者,且所有入组者均注射过卡介苗。采用流式细胞术测定血清中的IL-4和IL-17A的水平。结果与正常对照组和隐性感染组比较,活动性结核组血清中的IL-4及IL-17A水平明显降低:IL-4(1.85±1.43)μg/L、(1.77±1.16)μg/L和(0.85±0.94)μg/L(P0.05);IL-17A(1.06±1.29)μg/L、(0.91±1.08)μg/L和(0.09±0.16)μg/L(P0.01);但正常对照组与隐性感染组之间IL-4、IL-17A比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论可以根据结核分枝杆菌感染后产生IL-4和IL-17A的水平来区分活动性结核感染和隐性结核感染及健康人群。     

Selectin-P and interleukin-8 plasma levels in coronary heart disease patients

BACKGROUND: Alterations of the immune system are now believed to play crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was analysis of soluble forms of selectin-P and interleukin-8 levels in patients with different form of coronary heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study took part 18 patients with stable coronary heart disease, 20 patients with unstable coronary heart disease and 15 healthy persons from control group. Soluble selectin-P and interleukin-8 levels were measured in EDTA plasma with the use of enzyme immunoassay ELISA. RESULTS: The level of soluble selectin-P was significantly higher in unstable coronary heart disease patients in comparison to the stable coronary heart disease patients (P < or = 0.01) and nonsignificantly higher in comparison to the control group. The level of interleukin-8 were significantly higher in unstable coronary heart disease patients in comparison to the stable coronary heart disease patients (P < or = 0.01) and in comparison to the control group (P < or = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that soluble form of selectin-P and interleukin-8 may be useful clinical predictors of unstable coronary heart disease. The assessment of the risk for the development of coronary heart disease requires further serial investigation.     

Urinary levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and disease activity in patients with IgA nephropathy

Using quantitative sandwich ELISA, we studied 27 patients with IgA nephropathy to determine whether the levels of urinary IL-8 might reflect the disease activity. The levels of urinary IL-8 in patients with advanced stage IgA nephropathy were significantly higher than those in the patients with the mild stage of this disease, or in the healthy controls. The results showed a positive significant correlation between the levels of IL-8 and disease activity, i.e., between levels of urinary protein and urinary casts. A significant correlation between levels of urinary IL-8 and tubular function damage was also found. It was thus suggested that measurement of urinary IL-8 might be useful in evaluating the degree of renal injuries and/or prognosis in patients with IgA nephropathy.     

支气管哮喘患者血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8水平变化研究

目的 探讨TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8的变化及其在哮喘发病中的意义.方法 采用ELISA法检测120例哮喘病急性加重期及治疗后稳定期和80例健康对照者外周血TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8水平,同时测定血清中总IgE水平和第I秒用力呼气容积占顶计值百分比(FEV1%).结果 哮喘急性加重期组外周血TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8和IgE水平明显高于治疗后稳定期组和对照组(t=-20.79～17.99,P<0.01).治疗后稳定期组TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8和IgE亦显著高于对照组(t=-16.21～16.10,P<0.01).哮喘急性发作期与治疗后稳定期外周血TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8与FEV1%呈负相关(r分别为-0.693、-0.728、-0.533,均P<0.01).结论 TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8参与了哮喘气道炎症的形成,并与气道限塞程度密切相关.     

白细胞介素-4、白细胞介素-8、白细胞介素-9在支气管哮喘患儿血清中的表达及临床意义

目的 观察白细胞介素(IL)-4、IL-8、IL-9在支气管哮喘患儿血清中的表达,并探讨其临床意义.方法 选取支气管哮喘急性发作期、临床缓解期患儿各43例,分别设为发作组和缓解组,另选取同期体检健康儿童37例作为对照组,检测所有儿童的血清IL-4、IL-8、IL-9水平.结果 IL-4、IL-8、IL-9在对照组、缓解组、发作组儿童血清中的表达水平均呈递增趋势,组间比较均有显著差异(P＜0.01).结论 血清IL-4、IL-8、IL-9水平与支气管哮喘的发生、发展过程密切相关,临床可作为支气管哮喘病情进展的参考指标.     

老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者血浆类胰蛋白酶、白细胞介素8、嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子水平的相关性

目的:探讨老年慢性阻塞性肺病(chronicobstructivepulmonarydisease,COPD)患者血浆类胰蛋白酶、白细胞介素8(interleukin-8,IL-8)、嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子水平的相关性及临床意义。方法:老年COPD患者共73例(重度21例,中度21例,轻度31例),正常对照31例。采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附实验,检测血浆类胰蛋白酶,IL-8,嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子水平。在UniCAP100全自动体外变应原检测仪上进行UniCAPTryptase检测。结果:①老年COPD患者(重、中、轻)急性期血浆类胰蛋白酶水平分别为(7.65±2.79),(6.19±2.50),(4.43±2.08)ng/L,均明显高于对照组(2.86±0.74)ng/L,(t=4.43,5.37,3.34,P均<0.01)。各组急性期血浆IL-8值分别为(99.71±24.05),(45.01±13.33),(26.36±6.00)ng/L,均明显高于对照组(7.66±3.40)ng/L(t=12.32,7.25,6.27,P均<0.01)。各组急性期血浆嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子值分别为(84.07±17.22),(63.72±10.96),(67.40±22.14)ng/L,明显高于对照组(30.05±10.94)ng/L(t=8.63,6.76,7.71,P均<0.01)。治疗后,重度、中度COPD患者血浆IL-8,嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子值明显降低(P<0.01);重度、轻度COPD患者血浆类胰蛋白酶值明显降低(P<0.01)。②各组(重、中、轻)急性期外周血嗜中性粒细胞(neutrophils,neu)绝对计数分别为     

毛细支气管炎患儿血清白细胞介素-4、白细胞介素-8水平的临床意义及对策

目的通过检测毛细支气管炎(以下简称毛支)患儿血清白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)水平,研究其在发病中的临床意义及探讨相应的治疗对策。方法研究对象为106例住院毛支患儿(毛支组),随机选择其中40例为红霉素治疗组,31例为常规治疗组;另选34例正常小儿为对照组。采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA),分别在毛支患儿急性期(入院当时)及恢复期(住院7 d后)检测血清IL-4、IL-8水平,正常小儿一次性检测。各组进行比较,并观察治疗7 d有效率。结果毛支组急性期血清IL-4水平与恢复期及对照组比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);毛支组急性期IL-8水平高于恢复期,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);红霉素治疗组恢复期血清IL-8水平低于常规治疗组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);红霉素治疗组的7天有效率高于常规治疗组(P<0.05)。结论 IL-4可能未参与毛支的发病,嗜酸性粒细胞并不是引起毛支的主要细胞,毛支可能不是过敏性炎症;IL-8参与毛支的病理过程,毛支气道炎症细胞可能以中性粒细胞为主;红霉素具有抗炎和免疫调节作用,可用于佐治毛支。     

Interleukin-4 and interleukin-4 receptor polymorphisms in minimal change nephropathy.

Minimal change nephropathy (MCN) is an important cause of nephrotic syndrome, especially in children, that is strongly associated with atopy and IgE production. The immunogenetics of MCN are poorly understood. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is the critical cytokine involved in the development of atopy. Polymorphic regions in the genes encoding IL-4 itself and the IL-4 receptor have been demonstrated that may predispose to increased activity. We have analysed these polymorphisms in 149 patients with MCN and 73 controls to test the hypothesis that these loci are involved in genetic predisposition to MCN. In our populations there were no polymorphisms in the IL-4 promoter. We did confirm allelic variation in a dinucleotide repeat in the second intron of the IL-4 gene, but there was no significant difference between allele distributions in MCN and controls. Similarly, allele frequencies for the IL-4 receptor alpha chain polymorphism were similar in patients and controls. Genetic loci which are believed to influence IL-4 responsiveness and to predispose to atopy do not appear to be associated with susceptibility to MCN.     

兔深静脉血栓形成与血浆单核细胞趋化蛋白4及白细胞介素8的水平

背景:关节置换后深静脉血栓形成的预后在个体间存在很大的差异.有研究表明,巨噬细胞和内皮细胞活性的增高对于血栓溶解管腔再通有促进作用.目的:分析兔深静脉血栓形成后不同时段血浆单核细胞趋化蛋白4及白细胞介素8质量浓度对于反映血栓病情有无特异性.方法:新西兰大白兔78只,随机分为血栓组、假手术组及正常对照组,血栓组造模后14 d根据血栓再通情况分为再通组及未通组.分别于血栓后8 h,3 d,7 d,14 d抽取耳缘静脉血行单核细胞趋化蛋白4、白细胞介素8质量浓度测定和血常规检测.结果与结论:血栓后第7天血浆单核细胞趋化蛋白4质量浓度再通组较未通组有显著升高(P < 0.01),白细胞介素8质量浓度再通组较未通组降低(P < 0.05).其变化与单核细胞、中性粒细胞之间无相关性(P > 0.05).结果表明血栓形成后血浆高质量浓度的单核细胞趋化蛋白4的病例血栓再通情况较好.单核细胞趋化蛋白4的质量浓度通过反映巨噬细胞和内皮细胞的活性,在一定程度上反映了深静脉血栓形成的预后.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者诱导痰液中IL-6和IL-8水平变化的临床意义

目的探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者诱导痰液中白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和白细胞介素-8(IL-8)水平变化的临床意义。方法选取COPD患者35例为COPD组,另选取健康体检者40例为健康组,根据有无吸烟史分为无吸烟22例和吸烟18例。2组受试者行肺功能检测,运用诱导痰液方法收集痰液,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)测定痰液上清中IL-6和IL-8水平变化,Spearman相关性检验分析IL-6、IL-8水平与肺功能的相关性。结果 COPD组诱导痰液中性粒细胞百分比显著高于健康组无吸烟者和吸烟者(P0.05或P0.01);痰上清中IL-6、IL-8水平显著高于健康组无吸烟者和吸烟者(P0.05)。相关性分析显示,COPD组诱导痰上清IL-6与第1秒用力呼气容积占预期值百分比(FEV1%)和第1秒用力呼气容积占用力肺活量的百分比(FEV1/FVC)呈负相关(P0.01),IL-8与FEV1%和FEV1/FVC呈负相关(P0.01)。结论 COPD患者气道腔内存在以中性粒细胞浸润为主的慢性气道炎症,IL-6和IL-8可能在气道损伤和重塑过程中扮演重要作用。     

肝炎后肝硬化患者血浆内毒素、白介素-6和白介素-8水平的研究

目的 :探讨内素毒素、IL 6、IL 8水平与门脉高压的关系 ,揭示内毒素、IL 6、IL 8在肝炎后肝硬化发病机制中的作用。方法 :采用鲎试剂与合成基质 (鲎三肽 )的偶氮显色法和ELISA法分别检测患者血浆内毒素、IL 6、IL 8水平。结果 :肝硬化组血浆内毒素、IL 6、IL 8水平均高于正常对照组 (P <0 .0 0 1) ;相关性分析二者间呈正相关 ;肝硬化组按Child pugh分级后 ,血浆内毒素、IL 6、IL 8含量由高到低依次为Child C级、B级、A级组。结论 :内毒素、L 6、IL 8肝炎后肝硬化的发生与发展中起重要作用 ,且参与了门脉高压的形成并维持其存在。     

Graves病患者血清性激素与干扰素γ、白细胞介素4水平及相关性研究

目的观察Graves病(GD)患者治疗前后血清性激素及干扰素γ(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素4(IL-4)的动态变化,探讨GD患者Ⅰ型辅助性T细胞(Th1)/Ⅱ型辅助性T细胞(Th2)细胞因子平衡的偏离方向,及性激素对Th1/Th2平衡的影响。方法选取初发未治的Graves病患者80例为治疗组,经抗甲状腺药物治疗12周后均临床缓解,治疗前后分别应用应用放免法(RIA)检测血清雌二醇(E2)、睾酮(T)、黄体生成素(LH)、卵泡刺激素(FSH)水平,应用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测血清IFN-γ、IL-4水平;健康体检者50例作为正常对照组。结果女性GD患者治疗前血清E2、LH、FSH水平均较正常对照组明显升高(均P<0.01),治疗后均接近正常对照组;治疗前血清IL-4水平较正常对照组明显升高(P<0.001),血清IFN-γ水平较正常对照组降低(P<0.01);治疗后IL-4水平下降,而IFN-γ水平升高,均接近正常对照组;经多元逐步回归分析,血清E2水平是影响IL-4及IFN-γ水平的独立因素,分别呈正相关和负相关;IL-4与IFN-γ水平是相互的独立因素,呈负相关。结论初发未治的GD患者存在性激素水平的变化及Th1/Th2细胞因子失衡,治疗前可能以Th2免疫反应为主,治疗后向Th1免疫反应漂移,雌激素可能在Th1/Th2平衡方面起着重要作用。     

重型乙型肝炎患者血清白细胞介素-8的检测及其临床意义

目的探讨血清白细胞介素-8(IL-8)在重型乙型肝炎患者中的变化及其临床意义。方法采用双单克隆抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法检测32例重型乙型肝炎患者血清IL-8水平,并以40例正常人和20例乙型慢性活动性肝炎患者作对照。结果重型乙型肝炎患者血清IL-8水平〔(1.126±0.431)mg/L〕显著高于正常人〔(0.050±0.004)mg/L,P<0.001〕和乙型慢性活动性肝炎患者〔(0.637±0.213)mg/L,P<0.01〕,其升高程度与血清胆红素含量及凝血酶原活动度变化密切相关。血清胆红素含量愈高和凝血酶原活动度愈低,血清IL-8水平愈高。重型乙型肝炎合并细菌感染患者IL-8〔(1.513±0.262)mg/L〕高于无细菌感染者〔(0.912±0.214)mg/L,P<0.05〕,重叠肝炎病毒感染时血清IL-8水平〔(1.612±0.381)mg/L〕比单纯重型乙型肝炎患者〔(0.931±0.312)mg/L〕显著升高(P<0.05)。死亡病例血清IL-8水平〔(2.124±0.731)mg/L〕比生存者〔(0.997±0.675)mg/L〕显著升高(P<0.01)。结论检测血清IL-8水平对评估重型乙型肝炎病情严重性和预后有一定的临床参考价值。     

强直性脊柱炎患者血清介素1β、2、6及肿瘤坏死因子-α测定的意义

目的观察强直性脊柱炎（AS）患者外周血清白介素-1β（IL-1β）、白介素-2（IL-2）、白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、红细胞沉降率（ESR）、C反应蛋白（CRP）、免疫球蛋白（IgA、IgG、IgM）水平，并分析它们与强直性脊柱炎疾病活动指数（BASDAI）相关性。 方法测定45例AS患者及30例健康体检者的IL-1β、2、6及TNF-α，CRP、IgA、IgG、IgM、ESR水平。以Bath强直性脊柱炎疾病活动指数（BASDAI）评定AS患者疾病活动性，取BASDAI中位数将患者分为活动组及非活动组，比较AS患者与对照组，活动组与非活动组各实验指标，分析它们与BASDAI的相关性。 结果AS患者ESR、CRP、IgA、IgM、IgG、IL-1β、IL-2、IL-6及TNF-α水平与对照组之间差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。AS患者活动组CRP、IL-2与IL-6较非活动组差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。AS患者CRP与IL-6，IL-2与IL-6，IgA与IgG两两之间成正相关，但只有IL-2、IL-6及CRP与BASDAI之间成正相关。 结论IL-2、IL-6与CRP可作为AS疾病活动性的参考指标。     

体外循环状态下血液肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素8、白细胞介素10水平的变化

目的:心脏移植、心脏直视手术过程中的体外循环状态可导致各种炎症介质含量升高,强烈的炎症反应可引起肺损伤.肺开放策略可改善体外循环后肺损伤,观察肺开放策略对体外循环术后呼吸功能及肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素8、白细胞介素10水平的影响.方法:①选择2005-10/2007-10于南通大学第二附属医院心胸外科在全麻、低温、体外循环下行心内直视手术的患者60例,所有患者对实验及治疗方案均知情同意.②将60例患者按随机数字表法分为常规机械通气组、早期肺开放组及晚期肺开放组,每组20例.早期肺开放组在气管插管后实施肺开放策略,晚期肺开放组到达ICU后30 min实施肺开放策略.③应用酶联免疫吸附反应技术于术前、体外循环后及到达ICU后3,5,24,48 h测定血清肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素8、白细胞介素10水平.结果:患者60例全部进入结果分析.①体外循环后各组患者血清肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素8、白细胞介素10水平均较术前显著升高(P < 0.01).②体外循环后早期肺开放组肿瘤坏死因子α水平上升幅度低于晚期肺开放、常规机械通气组(P < 0.01);体外循环后早期肺开放组肿瘤坏死因子α水平逐渐下降,晚期肺开放、常规机械通气组肿瘤坏死因子α水平进一步上升.③血清白细胞介素8水平在期肺开放组、晚期肺开放组呈下降趋势,但常规机械通气组血清白细胞介素8水平各时点均高于术前(P < 0.01).④白细胞介素10水平只在早期肺开放组呈下降趋势.结论:肺开放策略可减少体外循环后炎性细胞因子的释放,从而减轻体外循环相关肺损伤,早期实施肺开放策略优于晚期实施.     

Comparative study of serum and synovial fluid interleukin-11 levels in patients with various arthritides

Objective: To determine the levels of serum and synovial fluid (SF) interleukin (IL)-11 in patients with various arthritides and estimate the contribution of IL-11 to acute phase response (APR).

Design and methods: Serum and SF IL-11 were measured by ELISA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 31), seronegative spondyloarthritis (SSA, n = 23), gout (GT, n = 14) and osteoarthritis (OA, n = 20) and were correlated with ESR and acute phase proteins as well as with cytokines IL-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF.

Results: IL-11 was detected in both serum and SF in each group, with IL-11 being statistically higher in SF than serum in all groups, suggesting reduced catabolism or increased synthesis of IL-11 intra-articularly. Median SF IL-11 levels were higher in OA patients than in other groups and in the treated than in the untreated RA subgroup. Moreover, serum and SF IL-11 were correlated significantly with each other, and moderately with the other cytokines examined in RA, SSA, and GT, but not in OA patients, while a significant negative correlation was found with a few of the inflammatory markers examined in each group.

Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence of extensive intra-articular expression of IL-11 in arthritides, especially in OA and treated RA patients, suggesting a protective role for IL-11 in joints, probably through the induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases.