[The role of cytokines in aseptic loosening of total hip prosthesis]

Abstract

The aim of this study was estimation of the secretory activity of macrophages isolated from granulomatotic tissue in aseptic total hip prosthesis loosening (particularly in regard to IL-6, TNF-alpha and OSM secretion). A considerable increase of IL-6 and TNF-alpha (proosteolytic cytokines) content was noted. At the same time a prominent decrease in OSM (an osteoprotective cytokine) was noted. The obtained results seem to suggest that the changed immunobiology of macrophages consisting of increase osteolytic activity and decreased osteoprotective abilities could be responsible for the loosening of hip prosthesis.