Giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: Role of cytokines in the pathogenesis and implications for treatment

Objective: To summarize the contribution of cytokines to pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and prognosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods: MEDLINE database search for studies published between 1980 and April 2008. Results: PMR and GCA are characterized by a hyperproduction of IL-6. The role of other circulating cytokines in their pathogenesis remains unclear. Cytokine mRNA in the arterial wall of GCA...