Intereukin-1 beta in rheumatoid arthritis; corrlation with disease activity

ABSTRACT

Serum level of interleukin-[l] beta was estimated in 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who fulfilled the American Collage of Rheumatology criteria. Another 15 persons, matched for age and sex, were chosen as a control group. Quantitative assay by an immunoenzymatic method showed significant increase [P < 0.05] of interleukin-1 beta in sera of rheumatoid arthritis patients than sera of the control group. When level of serum interleukin-[1] beta was correlated to parameters of disease there was significant correlation with joint tenderness using Ritchie articular index. Results confirm the role of interleukin-[1] beta in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and suggest. its serial estimation for follow-up purpose or monitoring response to therapy