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Circulating cytokines in active polymyalgia rheumatica.
L Alvarez-Rodríguez1, M Lopez-Hoyos, C Mata
1Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|March 4, 2009
Summary
Active polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) shows elevated serum interleukin-6 (IL6) levels, which decrease with corticosteroid treatment. This suggests IL6 originates from inflamed tissues, not circulating monocytes, offering potential therapeutic insights.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition affecting older adults.
- The precise cytokine profile and cellular sources in active PMR remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the circulating cytokine profile in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
- To identify the cellular origins of these circulating cytokines in PMR patients.
Main Methods:
- Cytometric bead array and ELISA were used to measure serum cytokines in 34 active untreated PMR patients and 17 healthy controls (HC).
- Intracellular cytokine analysis was performed on CD3+ (T cells) and CD14+ (monocytes) cells via flow cytometry.
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated in vitro to assess cytokine production.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL6) were observed in active PMR patients compared to HC.
- Corticosteroid (CS) treatment led to a reduction in serum IL6 levels.
- Circulating monocytes and T cells in PMR patients did not exhibit increased proinflammatory cytokine production compared to HC.
Conclusions:
- Active PMR is associated with elevated serum IL6, which is responsive to CS treatment.
- The cellular source of elevated IL6 in PMR is likely inflamed tissue rather than circulating monocytes.
- Understanding the cytokine profile and cellular sources may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for PMR.
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