Concentrations of IL-18 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis — a preliminary study

Abstract

Objectives. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a representative proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of IL-18 in patients with RA in relation to RF IgM and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP2).

Design and methods. 75 patients with diagnosed RA (aged 20–80 years) treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and disease modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs (DMARDs) and 52 age-matched controls were included.

Results. IL-18 concentration was almost sixfold higher in RA patients in comparison with the reference group (235 pg/mL v. 39 pg/mL). The association between IL-18 and RF IgM and anti-CCP was found.

Conclusions. Serum IL-18 level seems to be positively related to the increased RF IgM and anti-CCP concentrations in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis.