Hand Osteoarthritis (HOA) is one of the most common chronic degenerative joint diseases. Pain and decreased function are the leading symptom in HOA. Previously HOA was considered a pure degenerative disease, but this concept has changed and current research has demonstrated that inflammation is one of the key factors leading to the cartilage destruction. Cytokines as Interleukin-1β (IL1- β) induces expression and release of proteolytic enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases. Chondrocyte-derived MMPs are the main enzymes involved in the breakdown of cartilage collagens and proteoglycans. Research in the area of Hand OA is important to help early diagnosis, stop the progression of the disease, and preventing disability.The aim was to determine role of serum level of IL-1β and MMP-13 in detection of severity and functional impairment in patients with HOA.The study was carried out on 30 patients diagnosed with HOA, fulfilling the ACR 1990 criteria for diagnosis of HOA. Demographic data and anthropometric measurements were recorded for all participants.
Clinical characteristics of the disease including duration of disease, pattern of joint involvement, pain and disease severity as well as functional assessment of HOA were assessed. Radiographic severity of HOA was assessed by Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) score. Serum IL-1β and MMP-13 were assessed using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in both patients and control.The conclusion was that Interleukin-1B and MMP-13 seem to have an insignificant role in detection of severity and functional impairment in mild to moderate HOA.