Plasma levels of IL-1Ra, a sensitive marker of biologically active IL-1β, and IL-6 were measured at the time of admission to the coronary care unit and 48 hours later in patients who were hospitalised due to unstable angina.25 The authors found that a fall in IL-1Ra and IL-6 48 hours after admission was associated with an uneventful course. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is angina unstable.