Plasma and synovial fluid inflammatory cytokine profiles in primary knee osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to compare inflammatory cytokine levels in primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and healthy controls.


METHODS
A total of 32 knee OA patients and 14 healthy controls were enrolled. A multiplex immunoassay was utilized for 10 cytokines in plasma and synovial fluid.


RESULTS
Plasma IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 concentrations were significantly greater in knee OA patients than controls. Moreover, both plasma IL-4 and IL-6 were positively correlated with the radiographic severity of knee OA.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma IL-4 and IL-6 may serve as biomarkers reflecting the severity of OA.