To investigate the role of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the pathogenesis and progression of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and primary osteoarthritis (OA).
The synovium and synovial fluid of the knee joint were collected from 20 adult patients with KBD, 18 with OA and 19 with meniscus injury (controls). The expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in the synovium were analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining, and the levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in the synovial fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expressions in the synovium and their levels in the synovial fluid were significantly higher in patients with KBD and OA than in patients with meniscus injury (P<0.05), but comparable between KBD and OA groups (P>0.05).
IL-1beta and TNF-alpha may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of KBD and OA.