Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist in Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder rated among the top 10 most important conditions contributing to the world's disease burden. It is a heterogeneous multi-factorial disease, results from interaction between both genetic and environmental factors. The pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1), has been implicated in the pathogenesis of OA. One of its natural inhibitors, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. IL-1Ra cytokine binds to IL-1 receptors and inhibits the binding of IL-1 without signal transduction, thus acting as an inhibitor of cartilage loss. When the balance between IL-1 and IL-1Ra is disturbed, inflammation and tissue damage occur, resulting in OA. Current study could have crucial clinical applications in screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of OA disease.

Autorentext
Eman Ali Toraih Medical geneticist, M.D., Ph.D. She is a member of the Medical Genetics Unit and Genetic Counseling Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt. Ahmad Ali Toraih Orthopedic surgeon, M.D., Ph.D. Lecture of Orthopedic surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.