IL6 and rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects more women than men, is a progressive autoimmune disease that destroys cartilage, affects joint function and reduces quality of life.[1,2] Proinflammatory factors like (interleukin-6) IL-6 induce osteoclast production, promote joint damage, and cause joint swelling and degeneration.[3] The cause of RA is not certain, but it is widely believed to be the result of genetic and environmental factors.