Neuroendocrine and neurophysiological effects of interleukin 6 in rheumatoid arthritis

RA is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and degradation of the joints, causing significant negative impact on quality of life. In addition to joint disease, symptoms and co-morbidities associated with RA—namely pain, fatigue and mood disorders—are often as debilitating as the disease itself. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 plays a critical role in RA-associated pathology. However, a greater understanding of the translational effects of IL-6 outside of the immune system is needed. This review discusses our current understanding of emerging aspects of IL-6 in RA-associated pain, fatigue and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. This review also describes the clinical effects of IL-6 inhibition on these symptoms and co-morbidities in patients with RA.