Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Primary Synovial Macrophages and Fibroblasts from Murine Arthritis Tissue
Published on: February 24, 2023
Cytokines in the rheumatic diseases
1Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center B1115, 4200 East Ninth Avenue, Denver, CO 80262, USA. william.arend@uchsc.edu
Abstract:
Extensive data has accumulated over the last 10 to 15 years to implicate various cytokines in pathways of pathophysiology in rheumatic diseases. Abnormalities in cytokine production are not the cause of these diseases, but reflect continual production by immune and inflammatory cells. Cytokines are heterogeneous and function in an overlapping and redundant network. An important principle to emerge is that the net biologic response in a diseased organ or tissue reflects a balance between the local levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and factors. Thus, a chronic disease may result from the excess production of proinflammatory cytokines or the inadequate production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This article summarizes the role of cytokines in rheumatic diseases by focusing on each disease and the involved pathways of pathophysiology.
Related Concept Videos
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

