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Raised circulating interleukin-18 levels in reactive AA-amyloidosis
C P J Maury1, S Tiitinen, K Laiho
1Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. Peter.Maury@hus.fi
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is linked to higher interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels. Patients with RA and amyloidosis show significantly elevated IL-18 compared to those without amyloidosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Amyloidosis can be a complication of RA.
- Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in T helper 1 responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circulating levels of IL-18 in RA patients.
- To compare IL-18 levels in RA patients with and without amyloidosis.
- To explore the relationship between IL-18 and RA-associated amyloidosis.
Main Methods:
- Plasma IL-18 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay.
- Study included 55 RA patients with reactive amyloidosis, 55 RA patients without amyloidosis, and 55 healthy controls.
- RA patient groups were matched for age, sex, seropositivity, disease duration, and inflammatory activity.
Main Results:
- Plasma IL-18 levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls.
- RA patients with amyloidosis had markedly elevated IL-18 levels versus those without (418.1 vs. 317.0 ng/l).
- The observed differences in IL-18 were independent of inflammatory activity and renal function.
Conclusions:
- RA is associated with increased plasma IL-18.
- IL-18 levels are significantly higher in RA patients who develop amyloidosis.
- Elevated IL-18 in amyloidosis may indicate a role in amyloidogenesis or interaction with cellular pathways.