The marked overlap of serum markers in SAP and SP RA reflects a common inflammatory background between both conditions with increased levels of IL-1β, IL-1RA, associated with general inflammation; increased levels of T-cell activation markers (IL-2, IL-2R, IL-4) and increased levels of markers associated with Th17-specific activation (IL-17, IL-1β, IL-15). This evidence concerns the gene IL2 and rheumatoid arthritis.