IL-1 in osteoarthritis

Given the high and rising figures of people with osteoarthritis, knowledge of new factors defining course and evolution of the disease are important, when considering new pharmacological targets.
IL-1 is a very important cytokine in the early steps of osteoarthritis, giving the high sensitivity of the chondrocytes to this cytokine, and it can be considered the bridge permiting the dialogue between the different structures of the articulation, in such a way that the cartilage is not the only tissue affected in OA.
IL-1 increases the destruction of the extracellular matrix of the cartilage increasing the collagenolytic activity of metalloproteases, increasing activity of nytric oxide ON, wich can induce apoptosis of chondrocytes. Interestingly, IL-1 further induces changes in the homeostasis of the cartilage, lessening activity of growth factors, such as TGF-beta.