Characterisation of cytokine expression in early synovitis and established rheumatoid arthritis

摘要: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic inflammation and destruction of the joint is driven by local production cytokines. My aims were to characterise cytokine mRNA expression in multiple synovial fluid cell populations early established RA study these, addition whole tissue, synovitis patients relation disease outcome. I a novel method determine CD4 T cells, CD8 B macrophages neutrophils directly ex vivo. I made several observations, for example cells expressed high levels RANKL. As RANKL drives bone resorption, this suggests potential role erosion RA. protein was mainly memory fluid. Furthermore, reduced after treatment with depleting therapy, rituximab. Overall, both tissue sorted profile very similar who subsequently developed or had resolving synovitis, comparison, cytokines chemokines upregulated compared uninflamed controls. The finding that largely develop have disease, phases RA, reflective general inflammation, rather than being specific outcome stage