Flare-up of cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis and their role in triggering depression: Shared common function and their possible applications in treatment (Review)

Abstract

Chronic illnesses are associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that typically causes damage to the joints. RA extensively impacts patients, both physically and psychologically. Depression is a common comorbid disorder with RA, which leads to worsened health outcomes. There are several cytokines that are active in the joints of patients with RA. Inflammatory cytokines serve important roles in the key processes in the joints, which usually cause inflammation, articular damage and other comorbidities associated with RA. The key role of inflammatory cytokines could be attributed to their interactions within signaling pathways. In RA, IL-1, and the cytokines of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-18 are primarily involved. Furthermore, depression is hypothesized to be strongly associated with systemic inflammation, particularly with dysregulation of the cytokine network. The present review summarizes the current state of knowledge on these two diseases from the perspective of inflammation and cytokines, and emphasizes the possible bridge between them by exploring the involvement of systemic cytokines in both conditions.

1. Rheumatoid arthritis and depression

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that typically causes damage to the joints. The disease primarily targets the synovial membrane, cartilage and bone. As a systemic inflammatory disease, RA also affects other tissues and organs, and is thus associated with progressive disability, potential systemic complications, high socioeconomic costs, and early death worldwide (1). Although, there have been advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of RA, the cause of RA remains elusive (1). The pathogenesis of RA is complex and involves large numbers of different cell types and signaling pathways (2). It is widely accepted that autoimmune processes and cytokines may serve important roles in the initiation and perpetuation of the disease (3,4). Among these, TNF, IL-6 and IL-1 are the best studied, and are further discussed in the following section. The current strategies for treatment of RA include symptomatic management and early disease therapy (5). As RA is an inflammatory disease, medications that suppress inflammation, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids are frequently used as first-line therapeutic agents for treatment of the symptoms (6). During the last decade, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were introduced as an important therapeutic strategy due their effect on the binding of pro-inflammatory cytokines to their corresponding receptors (7), and these should be initiated as soon as RA is diagnosed (8). The most commonly used biological DMARDs in RA therapy include inhibitors of TNF-α (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab and certolizumab pegol), IL-1 inhibitors, anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody (tocilizumab), the T-cell signaling inhibitor (abatacept) and the chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) (9). Patients started on combined treatment of conventional synthetic DMARDs with biological DMARDs in earlier stages showed obvious clinical improvement and less damage to the joints in the BeSt study (10).

Depression and anxiety are frequent comorbidities in patients with RA and it has been shown that they may occur in up to 42% in RA patients (11). It is estimated that ~30% of patients with RA develop depression within 5 years of being diagnosed (12). Depression significantly and synergistically contributes to increased mortality and morbidity in patients with RA, and also increases health care costs for the health system (13). Inflammatory networks and cytokines may constitute a link between depression and RA. The co-occurrence of depression in RA is significantly associated with age, and younger patients show a higher risk of developing depression compared with older patients (12). Low self-esteem is among the strongest predictors in patients with RA who may eventually end up with depression (12). During the past two decades, the reciprocal communication between the central nervous system (CNS), endocrine system and immune system has been well established (14). Some of the psychiatric diseases, including depression, are hypothesized to be closely associated with systemic inflammation and cytokines. Therefore, exploring the common functions that may be shared by RA and depression will both broaden the horizon of basic research in these two fields and may also provide theoretical support for the clinical treatment of RA with a systemic view.

The aim of this review is to discuss the biological contribution and potential therapeutic targets of the major cytokine families in the aetiology of RA and depression, and summarize the complex pathophysiology of this disease with a focus on cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 and their families and relevant signaling pathways. Furthermore, the therapeutic agents that are presently utilized in both of the diseases, along with potential therapeutic targets are reviewed. Additionally, how an improved understanding of the role of cytokines and signaling pathways in these two diseases may help the development of novel therapeutic strategies with specific targets is briefly discussed.

2. Immunological pathology of RA

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is considered a key factor associated with a predisposition to RA (15). Outside of the MHC region, additional risk loci have been identified and validated including PTPN22, STAT4, PADI4, CTLA4 and FcγRs, as well as various cytokine and cytokine-receptor loci. Several immune modulators (cytokines and effector cells) and signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of RA have been revealed. The complex interactions between the inflammatory cytokines are responsible for joint damage that is initiated at the synovial membrane and then progresses to other structures of the joint. There is extensive activation of monocytes, macrophages, and synovial fibroblasts, as well as overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α amongst others (16). There are other cytokines and chemokines that are also found in the synovial membrane, such as IL-15, IL-17 and IL-18. These inflammatory cytokines activate several signaling pathways and induce transcription of the genes, which are key factors involved in inflammation and tissue degradation (17). Due to the important roles of inflammatory cytokines in RA, there has been increasing interest in how the inflammatory cytokines within a complex regulatory network are associated with disease progression of RA.

3. Inflammatory cytokines in RA

Inflammatory cytokines are responsible for stimulating destructive mechanisms in the joint which results in structural injury and subsequently leads to a functional decline in mobility and disability.

Role of IL-1 and IL-18 in RA

IL-1 is an important inflammatory factor that is involved in the pathogenesis of RA. IL-1 induces an inflammatory response and activates or increases the expression of other pro-inflammatory mediators that promote damage to the joints (18). In the synovial membrane, IL-1 and IL-1 receptor antagonists are abundantly expressed (18). IL-1 activation causes migration of inflammatory cells to the joints and the synovium in patients with RA. Then, macrophages, lymphocytes, monocytes and transformed fibroblasts are triggered to produce increased quantities of IL-1, which contributes to the production and secretion of various cellular messengers (19). Regulatory agents, such as proteoglycans and proteases contribute to the formation and accumulation of pannus in the joints, resulting in the erosion of the cartilage and bone, fibrosis, and ultimately articular function loss (20). At the cellular level, there are several other cytokines induced by IL-1, including TNF-α and IL-6(18). As the key pro-inflammatory cytokines in RA, IL-1 and TNF-α act synergistically in promoting further inflammation and matrix damage to the arthritic joints (21). In an experimental animal model, IL-1 was shown to stimulate cartilage and bone re-absorption and inhibit articular collagen and proteoglycan synthesis (22). Experiments performed on RA animal models suggest that IL-1 serves a crucial role in the degradation of proteoglycans and thus increases joint damage (22,23). Local production of IL-1 was shown to inhibit proteoglycan synthesis in the knee joints of a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model (24). In addition, IL-6 in synovial cells can lead to the acceleration of joint breakdown by attracting and retaining large quantities of leukocytes in the inflamed synovium (25). In patients with RA, there are increased levels of IL-1 in the plasma and synovial fluid (26,27). The IL-1 family includes IL-1α and IL-1 and IL1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). The biological activation of cells by IL-1 requires the expression of the type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1R). The receptor antagonist IL-1Ra, generated by certain cells in the joint, can competitively bind with IL-1R. As an anti-inflammatory protein that binds to IL-1R without transducing signals, IL-1Ra may, to some extent, regulate the activity of IL-1(18). It has been reported that IL-1Ra-deficient mice develop spontaneous arthritis, mediated through the amplification of Th17-dependent inflammation (28). IL-1Ra effectively attenuated joint destruction in an experimental RA model (29). There is a dysregulation of IL-1Ra production and inhibition of the effects of IL-1β in RA patients (30). IL-18, another member of the IL-1 cytokine superfamily, is widely detected in the synovium of patients with RA (18). The mRNA expression levels of IL-18 and IL-1β are differentially regulated. It has been found that IL-18 distributes in the synovial membrane with a different pattern compared with IL-1β. While IL-1β is localized primarily throughout the interstitium, lining layer and vasculature, IL-18 is highly expressed in lymphocytic aggregates (31). The expression of IL-18 in synovial tissues in vitro is associated with increased TNF-α and IL-1β, and the blockade of IL-18 by a neutralizing antibody was shown to ameliorate the disease in rodent RA models (32). IL-18 also contributes to cartilage degradation by affecting cell proliferation and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase and inducible NO synthase gene expression (33).

Role of IL-6 in RA

IL-6, which was initially identified as a B cell regulatory factor, is now recognized as a soluble mediator with a pleiotropic function on inflammation, immune response, and hematopoiesis (34). It serves important roles in RA pathogenesis via the activation and maturation of B and T cells, as well as the production of autoantibodies. IL-6 can stimulate B and T cell functions via promoting the proliferation of plasmablastic precursors in the bone marrow, maturating the immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells and through its role in T cell activation and proliferation (35). Although certain cytokines work on target cells that are close to their secretion site, IL-6 exerts its effects on distant target cells through ubiquitously expressed receptors. Classical IL-6 signaling requires a protein complex that includes a membrane-bound, non-signaling α-receptor unit (IL-6R) and two signal-transducing glycoprotein 130 (gp130) subunits (36). Conversely, IL-6 trans-signaling involves binding between a soluble receptor (sIL-6R) and membrane-bound gp130 subunits (36). As IL-6R expression is restricted to only a few cell types, trans-signaling leads to an increase in the range of IL-6-responsive cells (36). IL-6 trans-signaling is one of the major factors involved in the pathogenesis of RA. It is hypothesized that the increased IL-6 bioactivity is responsible for the local and systemic effects of RA. It seems that IL-6 acts as a major mediator of the acute phase response in RA (36). IL-6 is a 26-kDa pleiotropic cytokine, encoded on chromosome 7, and is produced by various cell types, including T cells and B cells (36). It has been reported that IL-6 is one of the most abundantly expressed inflammatory cytokines in the rheumatoid synovium (37). The concentration of IL-6 and sIL6R is correlated with the histological changes of chronic synovitis in patients with RA, while localized increases in sIL-6R are correlated with leukocyte infiltration (38). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that promotes the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells (39). VEGF also induces vascular permeability and mediates inflammation. IL-6 was found to enhance joint inflammation and damage in patients with RA by affecting VEGF expression (40). IL-6 knockout mice were protected from CIA and exhibited reduced immune cell responses and tissue damage of knee joints (34,41). IL-6 receptor blocking can ameliorate joint disease in murine CIA (34).

Role of TNF-α in RA

TNF-α is a pleiotropic, pro-inflammatory cytokine and is considered to serve a key role in the pathophysiological processes of RA. TNF-α is a ligand of the TNF superfamily (42). TNF-α is inserted into the cell membrane, and the extracellular portion is subsequently released into circulation (43). There are two distinct membrane receptors that have been identified and cloned, namely TNF-R1 and TNF-R2. The apparent molecular weight between the two receptors varies because of the variation in glycosylation. These receptors can bind to both the soluble and membrane-bound forms of TNF-α (44). TNF-R1 is responsible for the majority of the cellular responses to TNF-α (44). The ubiquitous expression of TNF-R, along with cell-specific effector molecules triggered by TNF-R contribute to the various effects of TNF-α including apoptosis, the synthesis of protein and lipid inflammatory molecules, and transcription factors (45). TNF-α contributes to activation of other inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (46). In an in vitro study, blocking TNF-α decreased the levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF in cultured synovial cells from RA patients (47). Thus, blockade of TNF-α may exert a more comprehensive effect on inflammation than other cytokines, such as IL-1, due to its high concentration in the synovial fluids. TNF-α is suggested to serve a key role in rheumatoid synovitis. In a CIA model, it was reported that TNF-α levels were elevated early in the disease course of CIA and persisted at high levels throughout the later stages (48). Mice with downregulated TNF-α expression developed chronic symmetric polyarthritis with histological features similar to that in human RA (49,50).

4. Anti-cytokine therapies in RA

Recent developments in understanding the role of cytokines in the pathological changes of RA, combined with biopharmaceutical progress, have facilitated the development of novel treatments.

Anti-TNF-α agents in RA

Studies have shown that blockade of TNF appears to be the major breakthrough in RA treatment, and that TNF-α antagonists significantly reduce the symptoms of RA in patients (51,52). Clinical studies have shown that the efficacy of the TNF inhibitors is at least comparable to methotrexate, which is one of the most effective medications currently used to treat RA (53). Long-term anti-TNF-α treatment reversed endothelial dysfunction in RA (54). A recent review indicated that TNF-α antagonists can ameliorate the progression of atherosclerosis and arterial changes (21,55). The drugs currently available in the clinical practice and clinical trials are biological protein-based drugs, such as antibodies to TNF-α or agents targeting TNF-α receptors (for example, linked to Fc dimers) (56). There are five TNF-α inhibitors that have been approved for treatment of RA, including infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab and golimumab (57,58). Their practical use has been limited by the need for repeated injections and other side effects (59). A recent large US observational study has also raised concerns regarding the risk of skin cancer with the use of biological therapy (60).

Anti-IL-1 agent in RA

Blocking of IL-1 has been considered as a potential strategy for treating RA. Anakinra, a recombinant form of human IL-1R antagonist, appears to inhibit the proinflammatory effect of IL-1(18). It is identical to the natural endogenous IL-1RA form (61). Due to its short half-life, daily injections are required. Anakinra decreases the migration of immune cells into the joint of patients with RA (62). In RA patients, joint damage is significantly attenuated following anakinra treatment (63). The most commonly observed adverse effect of anakinra is the susceptibility to infections and skin irritation at the injection site (64). However, due to the inconvenience of daily injections of anakinra and the superior clinical effects of other anti-cytokine therapies, anakinra is not used as a first-line treatment in RA (63,64).

Anti-IL-6 agent in RA

A monoclonal antibody, Tocilizumab (TCZ) binds to IL-6R and the binding subsequently blocks dimerization of the receptor complex, preventing IL-6 transmembrane signaling (65). The efficacy of TCZ in the treatment of RA has been confirmed in a few clinical trials (66,67). Reducing IL-6 activity in the inflammatory process of RA prevents inflammation of the joints, decreases damage, and reduces certain systemic symptoms (68,69). The erosion in joint and space narrowing were significantly decreased in TCZ treated patients compared with the DMARD treated group, suggesting that the inhibition of IL-6 was effective in both managing the symptoms and sustaining structural integrity of the joints (70). Similar to other disease modifying drugs, safety is always a major concern when investigating a new line of therapies (71). Further studies are required to examine the treatment benefits of TCZ therapy in RA treatment (68).

Upcoming therapies for RA

There are several potentially promising therapies targeting cytokines in RA which are being studied and may serve as suitable novel therapies for RA treatment. IL-18 may be a novel target for treating patients with RA. Recombinant IL-18 binding protein treatment abrogated disease severity (29), and treatment of anti-IL-18 in mice with collagen-induced arthritis exhibited similar results (29). IL-10 and IL-4 are cytokines with opposing-regulatory roles, both of which could downregulate pro-inflammatory responses. IL-10 and IL-4 are suggested to suppress the generation of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in RA. A recent study on Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors demonstrated that the JAK/STAT signalling pathway mediated cytokines important for disease by facilitating the downstream signaling cascade of cytokine receptors upon binding with their respective cytokines, such as by increasing transcription of certain genes (72). For example, tofacitinib, a typical JAK inhibitor that interferes with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and mRNA transcription, is currently used for the treatment of RA. Previous studies have shown that stimulation with IFNs results in STAT activation (73,74). Table I summarizes the available anti-cytokine agents for treatment of RA.

Table I.

Anti-cytokine based therapeutic options for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti TNF-α agents	Anti IL-1 agent	Anti IL-6 agent
Infliximab	Anakinra	Tocilizumab
Etanercept
Adalimumab
Certolizumab
Golimumab

IL, interleukin; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α.

5. Role of cytokines in depression: Mechanism and treatment

IL-6 in depression

It has previously been shown that IL-6 is associated with stress-related disorders, including depression and anxiety (75). A meta-analysis showed that IL-6 is the most significantly increased cytokine in the serum of depressed patients, and thus IL-6 levels in the serum may serve as a promising predictive biomarker for diagnosis of depression (75). Interestingly, a paediatric study found that peripheral inflammation predicted the occurrence of depression in younger patients (76). Children aged 9 with higher levels of IL-6 demonstrated a 10% increased likelihood of suffering depression at the age of 18 compared with children with lower levels of IL-6. This result suggests that monitoring the blood IL-6 levels in younger patients at a high risk of depression during the early stages may be used to implement measures which would prevent the progression of deterioration of a patient's mood. Furthermore, several monoclonal antibodies are currently in clinical trials for their use in the possible treatment of mood disorders, such as chimeric IL-6 receptor antibodies (Tocilizumab) or IL-6 antibodies (Siltuximab/Sirukumab) (75).

IL-1 in depression

It is well-established that the hippocampus is one of the key brain regions involved in the pathophysiology of depression (77). Stress and other environmental factors impact the functions of neurons in the hippocampus and influences depressive and anxiety-like phenotypes (77). Among the IL-1 cytokines, IL-1β is considered a key mediator responding to stressors, and it is widely expressed in the CNS, including the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. A previous study showed that the levels of IL-1β in the blood serum and in the cerebrospinal fluid are increased in patients with significantly more stressful lives and in patients who suffer from depression (78,79). Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-1β in peripheral blood circulation of patients with depression is correlated with the severity and duration of depression (77).

TNF-α in depression

Chronic illnesses induce the release of peripheral cytokines, which may result in cerebral endothelial leakage and then cause a neuroinflammatory reaction (80). The induced inflammatory response in the CNS is associated with the development of depression (81). TNF-α levels may be increased in patients who suffer from depression and is a potential biomarker for diagnosis of depression (82). In a pre-clinical study based on an animal model, deletion of TNF-α receptors was associated with antidepressant-like effects in behavioural tests compared with the wild-type counterparts (83). Additionally, a previous study showed that inhibiting the TNF-α signaling pathway may serve as a novel means of investigating how the CNS inflammatory response is associated with depression (81). Compounds targeting TNF-α signaling through inhibition of its downstream effectors exert anti-depressant and anti-anxiety-like effects in an animal model (81).

Other cytokines involved in depression

Interestingly, a recent study found that the antidepressant venlafaxine could ameliorate arthritis by targeting STAT3 and IL17(84). Clinical data has validated that IFN-γ levels are well correlated with clinical symptoms of depression in patients with glioma (85). Although there is no effort to explore whether IFN-γ activated the STAT cascade in depression, data have shown that IFN-α can activate JNK/STATs in a model of depression (86).

6. Conclusion

The pathogenesis of RA is complicated. It involves several immune cells and the interplay between numerous cytokines (Fig. 1) (87,88). Consequently, these cytokines further activate and promote differentiation of the downstream cells, which could result in local or systemic symptoms relevant to RA. For example, certain cytokines activate the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and initiate gene transcription of various other cytokines (Fig. 2) (89,90), and/or activate the SAPK/MAPK (Fig. 3) (91,92). Furthermore, depression is a frequently observed complication in patients with later stage RA. These two diseases may aggravate each other in via unknown mechanisms and afflict the patients further. This review focused on the inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways which may serve as potential mediators of common pathways between RA and depression. One of the purposes of this review was to identify potential common therapeutic targets for both RA and depression treatment. With the encouraging preclinical and clinical data, there may be progress in therapeutic advancement targeting the unresolved clinical hurdles in RA with depression. To further elucidate the role of inflammation on the pathology of these diseases, and to design improved treatments, comprehensive analyses of mechanisms of action are necessary to optimise therapy with the ultimate focus of providing a cure for patients with these chronic illnesses. Additionally, RA is a chronic disease that is potentially devastating for a patient's quality of life and may result in mental disorders. Therefore, psychological factors may also be another key network responsible for the depression and other mood disorders in patients with RA.

Figure 1.

Role of activated lymphocytes, monocytes, fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. IL, interleukin; GM-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α.

Figure 2.

JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway mediates the role of cytokines. JAK, Janus kinase; IFN-γ, interferon-γ; IL, interleukin; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; RA, rheumatoid arthritis.

Figure 3.

SPAK/MAPK signaling pathway mediates the role of cytokines. IL, interleukin; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; RA, rheumatoid arthritis.

Funding

This review was supported by a Fellowship from China Scholarship Council for the support of his overseas research at the University of Manitoba (Canada).

Availability of data and materials

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Authors' contributions

CZ wrote and revised the manuscript. The author read and approved the final manuscript.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Patient consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.