In our mouse model, serum IL-17 and IL-6 levels were significantly elevated, Stat3 was activated in joints following IL-1 induction, and arthritis development was significantly blocked by deletion of IL-17, IL-6 or Stat3, suggesting that the IL-17-mediated positive feedback loop of inflammatory cytokines is induced by IL-1. This evidence concerns the gene STAT3 and arthritic joint disease.