The concept: The continuum between low-grade inflammation and high-grade inflammation

If too little or too much inflammation exists a catabolic state in  joint compartments will be the consequence (x-axis). Only in an optimum range an anabolic state can be established (green area of a bell-shaped curve). In this figure, only some examples of important mediators are given. The partners in this Research Unit come from two different sides of the spectrum in order to reach an optimum situation in the centre (green area). The Research Unit intends to find relevant neuroendocrine factors which influence the balance of this continuum. We called them the common denominators because the different partners work with similar neuroendocrine factors.

Abbreviations: IGF-I, insulin-like growth factor 1; IL, interleukin; IL-1ra, IL-1 receptor antagonist; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; TIMP, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.