The immune suppressive effect of dexamethasone in rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by upregulation of interleukin 10 and by differential changes in interferon gamma and interleukin 4 production

Dexamethasone produces a sustained increase in interleukin 10 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers measured changes in immune factors induced by corticosteroid therapy for the autoimmune, inflammatory joint disease. In conjunction with a decrease in disease symptoms, dexamethasone caused interleukin 10 production to increase and interferon gamma levels to fall. Interleukin 4 levels fell slightly. These changes indicate an immune suppression.