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

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.

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