Interleukin (IL)-36 is a member of the IL-1 superfamily and includes three agonists (IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ) and an antagonist (IL-36Ra). IL-36 agonists bind to heterodimeric receptor complexes. Then, the heterotrimer complexes signal via intracellular functional domains, binding to downstream signaling proteins and inducing inflammatory responses. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about the biological role of IL-36 and its correlation with systemic inflammatory diseases. The information collected will help to increase the understanding of the potential of IL-36 and may give clues for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Aim This study aims to discuss plasma and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of interleukin (IL)‐37 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and evaluate the potential of plasma IL‐37 as a biomarker for RA. Method Plasma IL‐37 levels and IL‐37 mRNA relative concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). We discussed the association of IL‐37 levels and clinical, laboratory parameters in RA patients in a training cohort. Plasma IL‐37 levels were tested for discriminatory capacity by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We then validated plasma IL‐37 expression in a cohort of 598 patients (230 RA, 107 systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], 100 osteoarthritis [OA], 62 gout, 51 primary Sjögren's syndrome [pSS], 48 ankylosing spondylitis [AS]). Results Both plasma levels of IL‐37 and mRNA levels of IL‐37 were elevated in RA patients compared to those in healthy controls in the training cohort, and there was a good diagnostic ability to predict RA (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.97). Plasma IL‐37 levels were significantly related to Disease Activity Score of 28 joints ‐ erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) (rs = 0.459, P < 0.001). The levels of IL‐37 mRNA were related to plasma IL‐37 levels (rs = 0.642, P < 0.001), DAS28‐ESR (r = 0.641, P < 0.001) and C‐reactive protein (rs = 0.603, P < 0.001). In the validation cohort, when plasma IL‐37 in RA patients compared with that in SLE, OA, gout, pSS and AS patients, the AUC was 0.86, 0.87, 0.91, 0.87, 0.92, respectively. Conclusion IL‐37 expression was increased in RA patients, and correlated with disease activity. IL‐37 may be a biomarker for the diagnosis of RA.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Genetics and environmental factors interacted in occurrence of the disease. It is characterized by dysregulation of autoantibodies, complement system and inflammatory cytokines. 1 Cytokine-mediated immunity has been found to perform significantly in SLE pathogenesis. 2,3 Interleukin-38 (IL-38, previously called IL-1F10) belongs to the IL-1 family and has been identified in recent years. The human IL-38 gene has 4 exons and is located within chromosome 2q13-14.1 near

Background Hyperuricemia is one of the important risk factors for gout, arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Lactobacillus has attracted much attention due to its role in the regulation of intestinal function and tumor resistance, but its ability to reduce uric acid is unclear. Pickles are a traditional fermented food rich in lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Results LAB strains were isolated from 18 pickles and their tolerance to acid bile salts, trypsin, pepsin were evaluated after screening by nucleoside degradation. 16S rDNA sequence analysis was used to identify LAB strains. Furthermore, we established rat model of hyperuricemia and demonstrated that Lactobacillus could alleviate hyperuricemia and reduce kidney injury. Conclusion This study suggests that microecological treatment with Lactobacillus represents a feasible option for patients with chronic hyperuricemia.

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