The reduced expression of SyK in the R788-treated mice correlated with an amelioration of clinical arthritis, a reduction in proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines, including the CXCR2 ligand KC-GRO-α, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-1, and IL-6, as well as inducing suppression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein release, the latter protein a sensitive in vitro biomarker for articular cartilage extracellular matrix degradation. This evidence concerns the gene IL1B and arthritic joint disease.