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Tumour necrosis factor in synovial exudates
F S Di Giovine1, G Nuki, G W Duff
1University of Edinburgh Department of Medicine, UK.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) was detected in the joints of arthritis patients, indicating its potential role in disease progression and joint damage. This finding supports TNF
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is implicated in bone and cartilage resorption.
- This suggests a potential role for TNF in the pathogenesis of arthritis.
- Investigating TNF activity in rheumatic disease synovial fluids is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and significance of TNF activity in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatic diseases.
- To explore the association between TNF levels and disease characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Synovial fluid samples were collected from 137 patients with various rheumatic diseases.
- Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) activity was assessed using the L929 bioassay.
- Neutralization with a monoclonal antibody to TNF alpha was performed to confirm specificity.
Main Results:
- Significant TNF activity was detected in 13 (30%) of 44 tested synovial fluid samples.
- The detected TNF activity was neutralized by a specific monoclonal antibody to TNF alpha.
- Elevated TNF levels were not linked to specific disease types or inflammatory markers but correlated with disease duration in osteoarthritis.
Conclusions:
- Biologically active TNF is present in the symptomatic joints of patients with arthritis.
- These findings support the contribution of TNF to the pathogenesis of joint damage in chronic rheumatic diseases.
- Further research into TNF-targeted therapies for arthritis is warranted.