Patterns of expression of tumor necrosis factor α, tumor necrosis factor β, and their receptors in synovia of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile spondylarthropathy

Abstract

JRA and JSpA synovia are characterized by the presence of TNF alpha, TNF beta, and cells expressing TNFR. These findings provide further evidence that TNF, through autocrine/paracrine mechanisms, may amplify local inflammation, leading to joint destruction. The prominence of TNF beta in the synovium in particular subgroups of JRA patients and in JSpA patients may be a distinguishing feature of these diseases.