IL-1β in irrigation fluid and mRNA expression in synovial
tissue of the knee joint as therapeutic markers of inflammation in collagen
antibody-induced arthritis
Affiliations: Hsin Chu General Hospital, Department of Health,
Executive Yuan, Taiwan | Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National
Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
Note: [] Corresponding author: Huey-Kang Sytwu, MD, PhD, Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
National Defense Medical Center, 161, Section~6, MinChuan East Road, Neihu,
Taipei, Taiwan 114. Tel.: +886 287923100 18540; E-mail:
sytwu@ndmctsgh.edu.tw
Abstract: Objective: We studied the relationship between the severity of
inflammation and IL-1β production and relative expression level of
IL-1β mRNA in irrigation fluid and synovial tissue obtained from the knee
joint during the acute stage of a murine model of type II collagen
antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA). This model is used to identify potential
therapeutic markers for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Irrigation fluid and synovium tissue were harvested
from the knee joint of BALB/c mice in acute stage of CAIA induction. The
IL-1β protein level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,
and the relative expression level of IL-1β mRNA was analyzed by reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Two investigators analyzed expression
levels and histopathological changes. Results: IL-1β concentration was higher in irrigation
fluid from the knee joint than in the serum in the acute stage of CAIA. The
relative expression level of IL-1β mRNA was elevated in synovial tissue.
Histopathological changes in the knee joint and foot indicated similar
severity. Conclusions: IL-1β concentration in irrigation fluid
and relative expression level of IL-1β mRNA in the synovium have
potential as therapeutic markers in studying and treating CAIA.
