Interleukin-6 as a Marker of Joint Damage in Osteoarthritis: A Study of Its Pro-inflammatory Impacts

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by a complex pathophysiology involving inflammatory biomarkers. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels and joint space narrowing (JSN) in patients with knee OA. Design: A total of 46 patients clinically diagnosed with knee OA were included in this study. Methods: Joint space narrowing was measured using radiographic examinations, whereas blood serum levels of IL-6 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship between IL-6 and JSN. Results: = .044). Conclusion: An inverse correlation exists between IL-6 levels and joint impairment in knee OA, suggesting that inflammation plays a crucial role in the progression of the disease.