The Role of IL-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

ABSTRACT:BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory and destructive arthropathy that cannot be cured.Interlukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α) are the key cytokines that drive inflammation in the disease.OBJECTIVE:The study was established to shed light on the possible role of IL-1 and TNF- α in pathogenesis of RA.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Rheumatoid Factors (RF),TNF-α and IL-1 were detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) .C-reactive protein(CRP) on the other hand has been detected by using latex agglutination kit in the serum of 50 Iraqi patients with RA in comparison with 50 healthy individuals.RESULTS:Significant high levels of IL-1and TNF- α were observed in RA patients sera with P-value ( 0.04 and 0.001) respectively compared to healthy control group, in addition a positive linear association was found between the concentration of IL-1and TNF- α and CRP with P-value ( 0.05 and 0.001) respectively.CONCLUSION:IL-1and TNF- α play a role in pathogenesis of RA