IL-6 and the clinical manifestations of RA
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease characterized by chronic articular inflammation. This inflammation results in joint destruction — the key manifestation of RA.
However, RA is more than a disease of the joints.
Patients with RA have systemic effects that include anemia, fatigue and systemic osteoporosis and are at increased cardiovascular risk. These effects may be mediated by IL-6 — an abundant cytokine that is present in patients with RA.
