OBJECTIVE To clarify the effect of interleukin (IL) 18 on cartilage degeneration by studying the profile of IL18 receptor (IL18R) on chondrocytes and the direct effect of IL18 on production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), aggrecanases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in articular chondrocytes. METHODS Monolayer cultured human articular chondrocytes were isolated from ...

Interleukin 18 (IL18) is a cytokine that plays an important role in inflammation as well as host defense against microbes. Mammals encode a soluble inhibitor of IL18 termed IL18 binding protein (IL18BP) that modulates IL18 activity through a negative feedback mechanism. Many poxviruses encode homologous IL18BPs, which contribute to virulence. Previous structural and functional studies on IL18 a...

BACKGROUND Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter of interleukin (IL)-18 (-607C/A and -137G/C) may affect the clinical course of inflammatory diseases. This study examined the relationship between the plasma IL18 levels, IL18 promoter polymorphism, and outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS Plasma IL18 levels, IL18 promoter genotype, clinical variable...

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. In this study, we aimed to determine the potential role of the IL18 gene in SLE. To define the genetic association of the IL18 and SLE, we have genotyped nine SNPs in an independent set of Spanish cases and controls. The IL18 polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR, us...

PURPOSE We sought to find new immune-based treatments for pancreatic cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We detected IL18 expression in plasma and specimens from patients with pancreatic cancer. We then investigated whether IL18 had a therapeutic effect for pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo and any underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Higher plasma IL18 was associated with longer overall survival (O...

OBJECTIVE To measure serum interleukin 18 (IL18) and IL18 binding protein (IL18BP) levels in patients with inflammatory arthropathies, and to identify associations with disease status and the response to treatment. METHODS Serum samples were obtained before and after methotrexate treatment from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) attending an early arthritis ...

INTRODUCTION The objective was to investigate the potential implication of the IL18 gene promoter polymorphisms in the susceptibility to giant-cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS In total, 212 patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven GCA were included in this study. DNA from patients and matched controls was obtained from peripheral blood. Samples were genotyped for the IL18-137 G>C (rs187238), the IL...

Immune mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not well understood. Here, we show that the Toll-like receptor TLR2 inhibits production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL18 and protects mice from DEN-induced liver carcinogenesis. On this protocol, Tlr2 / mice exhibited more aggressive HCC development associated with impaired CD8þ T-cell function. Furthermore, Ly6ChighIL18Raþmyel...

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a role in host defense by upregulating both innate and acquired immune responses. Analysis of IL18 polymorphisms may be clinically important since their roles have been recognized in a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. However, the role of this cytokine polymorphisms in kidney transplant still remains unclear. In th...

BACKGROUND Interleukin 18 (IL18) is related to the IL1 family by structure, receptors, signalling molecules, and function. IL18 induces gene expression and synthesis of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), IL1, Fas ligand, several chemokines, and vascular adhesion molecules. Similar to IL1beta, IL18 is synthesised as a biologically inactive precursor molecule lacking a signal peptide. The IL18 precurs...