IL-15 and IL15RA in Osteoarthritis: Association With Symptoms and Protease Production, but Not Structural Severity.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is increased in joint fluids of early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and has been associated with expression of proteases that can damage cartilage, and the development of neuropathic pain-like symptoms (NP) after nerve injury. The objective of this study was to further explore the role of IL-15 in the pathogenesis of OA cartilage degeneration and test genetic variation in the IL-15 receptor α gene () for an association with OA with radiographic severity and symptoms. Cartilage samples from donors ( = 10) were analyzed for expression of the IL15 receptor α-chain using immunohistochemistry, and for responses to IL-15 using explant cultures.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain predicts mortality and heart failure admissions in African American patients.

Background: Several studies have demonstrated the importance of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) as a reliable prognostic indicator in patients with heart failure (HF). These studies have included few African American (AA) patients, despite the growing prevalence and severity of HF in this patient population.

Hypothesis: LV GLS predicts long-term HF admission and all-cause mortality in AA patients with chronic HF on optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT).