Association between the clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis and changes in the blood level of interleukin-4

The objective of the study was to evaluate associations between the changes in the blood level of interleukin-4 and clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis. The study included 81 patients aged from 47 to 73. Anthropometric measurements, disease duration, join x-ray examinations, degree of joint dysfunction, and interleukin-4 level were studied. The impact of altered secretion of interleukin-4 on clinical course of osteoarthritis and severity of pain syndrome was analyzed. Decreased interleukin-4 level was associated with more severe changes on the x-rays, presence of synovitis, and higher degree of severity of joint dysfunction and pain syndrome. Our data suggested that decreased interleukin-4 level was associated with the unfavorable course of osteoarthritis.