Pradeep Sharma1, Adil Rahman2, Tariq Mahmood3, Niranjan Singh4
INTRODUCTION
Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) may function to activate enzymes involved in the proteolytic digestion of cartilage in osteoarthritic patients. Osteoarthritis is a very common chronic disease that affects all joint tissues causing progressive irreversible damage and finally, the failure of the joint as an organ.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The present work is being done to determine the levels of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha are associated with osteoarthritis in postmenopausal females.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The present study is being carried out in 150 female subjects of age group of 45-60 years suffering from osteoarthritis and 50 normal healthy control female subjects of same age group. The IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in the serum by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique.
RESULTS
In osteoarthritic female patients, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were high as compared to control female subjects (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
We have observed increased secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 is directly related to activation of osteophytes in synovial fluid of osteoarthritis patients.
