The Emerging Role of IL-1 Inhibition in Patients Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes

Rev Recent Clin Trials. 2018;13(3):210-214. doi: 10.2174/1574887113666180314102651.

Abstract

Background: Although in the past, prevention of the joint destruction and disability was strongly emphasised in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), at present, a growing body of evidence is focused at identifying the best management of associated comorbidities, such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Recently, the hypothesis that blocking pro-inflammatory activity may be helpful in the treatment of some comorbidities has been proposed in RA patients.

Objective: We reviewed the role of IL-1β during RA and T2D, the efficacy of IL-1 blocking agents in controlling both diseases and, possible, decreasing the concomitant enhanced atherosclerotic process.

Method: After literature search, the available evidence has been selected and commented in the text.

Results: During RA, it is well known that different inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), are pivotal pathogenic mediators and their role has been largely confirmed in clinical settings. Similarly, it has been shown that the excess of nutrients, secondary to over-nutrition, may activate the immune system, leading to an increased production of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, suggesting new possible therapeutic targets.

Conclusion: Although further studies are needed to fully investigate the pathogenic interplay between inflammation and metabolic disorders, IL-1β has been implicated in both RA and T2D pathogenic mechanisms. Intriguingly, the potential role of anti-IL-1 drugs has been proposed in RA patients affected by T2D.

Keywords: Anakinra; IL-1β; cardiovascular risk; diabetes; pathogenesis; rheumatoid arthritis; therapy..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / etiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1beta / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Interleukin-1beta / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1 / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Receptors, Interleukin-1