“…The interstitial collagenase MMP-1 has also been shown to be produced by synovial fibroblasts in response to MSU crystals. 78 Previously, TGF-b has been shown to have context-dependent pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles, mediating urate-induced inflammation, 79 as well as limiting acute gouty inflammation when added exogenously in a synovium-like air pouch mouse model. 80 In a previous report investigating TGF-b in urate-induced inflammatory priming, we were not able to observe major differences in TGF-b or VEGFA levels during gout flares compared to inter-critical patients with gout.…”