IL6 and osteoarthritis: Additionally, osteoarthritis during exacerbations is associated with increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in periarticular tissues (synovial membrane), such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which, apart from inflammation, also stimulate osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.