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Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease characterized by articular involvement and extra-articular manifestation. The incidence and prevalence of the disease vary across population with women are affected 2.5 times as frequently as men and lead to substantial disability. RA can lead to many complication include anaemia, rheumatoid nodules, lung diseases, heart problems, dry eyes, cervical myopathy, permanent joint damage and vasculitis. In the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, pro-inflammatory cytokines play a significant role, inducing inflammatory response as well as the release of other mediators of inflammation. Genetic predisposition seems to be an important participant in the pathogenesis and in the activity of the disease in RA patients. IL-21 is an immunomodulatory cytokine, has pleiotropic effects on both innate and adaptive immune responses. |