Cytokine synthesis by chondroblastoma: relation to local inflammation.

PURPOSE To investigate cytokine production by chondroblastoma in inducing local inflammation and adjacent-joint arthritis. METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses of curetted tissues using anti-human interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL- 6, IL-8, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were performed for 6 patients with chondroblastoma and 3 patients with giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone. In addition, prostaglandin E2, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha in the cyst fluid of one of the patients with chondroblastoma and 2 with GCT of bone were measured using immunoassay kits. RESULTS More positive staining for IL-1 beta, IL-8, IL- 6, and TNF-alpha was shown in chondroblastoma than GCT of bone samples. Osteoclast-like giant cells in chondroblastomas showed positive staining for IL- 6 only. In addition, concentrations of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cyst fluid were higher in the one patient with chondroblastoma than the 2 patients with GCT of bone. CONCLUSION Cytokines such as IL-1 beta, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and particularly IL-6 play an important role in local inflammation in patients with chondroblastoma.