This topical insight in the role of cytokines in joint inflammation and destruction helps to better understand key processes in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Apart from the impact of cytokines on joint tissues, various chapters address targeted therapy with biological response modifiers and future interventions with carefully designed inhibitors. Special attention is given to elements of synovial cell activation, cell-cell interaction, cytokine interplay, and mechanisms of cartilage destruction and bone erosion. New information on the cytokines IL-15, IL-17 and IL-18 and their position in the complex cytokine interplay and an outline of the role of established cytokines, such as TNF, IL-1 and IL-6, is provided. Cytokine regulation of destructive enzymes, RANKL, the endogenous inhibitor OPG and their crucial roles in joint erosion are highlighted. This volume gives a complete and balanced view on pivotal cytokines and joint pathology for the biomedical and clinical researcher.

Gives a balanced view on central cytokines and joint pathology International authorship

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Inhalt
The role of tumour necrosis factor in rheumatoid arthritis.- The IL-1 family: the role of IL-1 and IL-18 in inflammation.- Targeted IL-1 inhibition.- Is IL-6 a therapeutic target?.- The clinical use of anti-cytokine therapy in rheumatic diseases.- Innate response cytokines in inflammatory synovitis: interleukin-15 and interleukin-18.- IL-17 as a contributor to inflammation and destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.- Cell-cell contact in chronic inflammation: the importance to cytokine regulation in tissue destruction and repair.- The role of proteinases in joint tissue destruction.- Receptor activator of nuclear factor KB ligand (RANKL) versus osteoprotegerin (OPG): the yin and yang of joint integrity.- Cytokine regulation of bone destruction.