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Microcrystals as DAMPs and their role in joint inflammation
1Service de Rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Avenue Pierre Decker, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Microcrystals associated with joint diseases, namely monosodium urate, calcium pyrophosphate and basic calcium phosphate, can be considered as 'danger signals' to the innate immune system and provoke inflammation through inflammasome-dependent as well as inflammasome-independent pathways. Direct crystal membrane interactions can also lead to cell activation. The result is the generation of IL-1β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. The primacy of IL-1β in the case of gouty inflammation has been demonstrated by the efficacy of IL-1 inhibitors in clinical studies. These findings may be relevant to other diseases where crystal formation is found, such as OA and atherosclerosis.
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