Interleukin-1 as a key factor in the development of inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Context: High levels of interleukin-1 have been implicated in uncontrolled inflammation and fever in inflammatory diseases, including; familial Mediterranean fever, cryopyrin associated periodic syndrome, Behcet's disease and systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The underlying specific genetic causes for these diseases have not yet been elucidated due to inferring factors, such as high levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in the blood and etiology, as well as the disease manifestations. Conclusions: This review discusses the role of interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-18 production pathways in the development of systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis and familial Mediterranean fever disease.