Superoxide dismutase inhibits interleukin-1-induced degradation of human cartilage

Abstract
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key mediator in the pathogenesis of cartilage destruction in arthritis-related disorders. Human recombinant superoxide dismutase (SOD) blocked IL-1-mediated cartilage destruction but had no effect on IL-1-mediated changes in glycosaminoglycan and prostaglandin E2 synthesis. These data suggest that superoxide anions may be one factor of IL-1-mediated cartilage destruction.