The effective of methotrexate on immune response cells in rheumatoid arthritis

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most used medicines in rheumatoid arthritis [r. a.] treatment. There are many scientific reports which present influence of MTX on inflammatory process. In many centers influence of MTX on cytokines level have been investigated. Thanks to clinical studies it has been performed that MTX holds up activity and productions of Il-8, releasing of TNF-alpha and reduction of concentration Il-6. MTX holds up proliferation of monocytes, macrophages and synoviocytes. It has been indicated that MTX decreases synthesis of B-4 leucotrien in neutrophils, decreases level of neutral proteases, holds up cellular immunity and has antiproliferative influence on endothelial cells. There are reports, that MTX reduces expression of endothelial cells adhesive proteins and synthesis of chemotactic factors, stopping migration of leucocytes to tissues.