Systemic anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy in rheumatoid arthritis down-regulates synovial tumor necrosis factor α synthesis

Abstract

Analysis of synovial tissue by means of immunomorphology and image analysis in a clinical trial setting may allow the drawing of biologically meaningful conclusions. Synovial TNFalpha synthesis was reduced 2 weeks after infliximab treatment. Reductions in IL-1alpha and IL-1beta synthesis were demonstrated in a subgroup of patients. High levels of synovial TNFalpha production prior to treatment may predict responsiveness to therapy.