Figure 6

Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) level as a marker of cartilage turnover. Suppression of serum COMP was found after treatment with interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-4/prednisolone (Pred). IL-4(1 μg/day) and both doses (0.1 μg per day/0.05 mg per kg per day; and 1 μg per day/0.05 mg per kg per day) of IL-4/prednisolone reduced serum COMP levels to basic levels as found in nonimmunized animals (4.2 ± 0.2 μg/ml). The data represent the mean± standard deviation COMP level of at least six sera per group. *P < 0.01, versus vehicle, by Mann-Whitney U test.