Cytokines and eicosanoids in rheumatic diseases

Abstract

It is now agreed that suppression of prostaglandin synthesis does not modify the course of inflammatory joint disease and attention has turned to the mode of action of the eicosanoids (seemingly like local hormones) and cytokines (regulatory factors acting locally but with a longer term of action). This group of substances lumped together and loosely called cytokines comprises a variety of factors but with different regulatory functions, including some that regulate eicosanoid production. How this happens is not yet clear. The subject is complex and the leader explores the current state of knowledge.