IL6 and rheumatoid arthritis: However, suppression of expression of the key inflammatory cytokine IL-6, chemokines CCL2 and CCL5, matrix-degrading enzyme MMP-3, and adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, as well as proliferative activity of the cells, suggested that DHMEQ may be efficacious in the treatment of RA synovitis.