A pilot study in 22 women with active rheumatoid arthritis has indicated that treatment with the anti-IL-6 antibody tocilizumab might provide beneficial effects on bone remodeling. Two monthly infusions led to increased osteoprotegerin (OPG) to RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand) ratios, decreased Dickkopf-1 levels and increased sclerostin levels. OPG:RANKL increases were larger in the patients who achieved remission compared with those who did not.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Terpos, E. et al. Early effects of IL-6 receptor inhibition on bone homeostasis: a pilot study in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin. Exp. Rheumatol. (in press)
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Tocilizumab shows promise in RA pilot study. Nat Rev Rheumatol 7, 682 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2011.177
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2011.177