Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mediterranean top marine predators stranded in SE Spain.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Although they are not bioaccumulated in vertebrates, chronic exposures might still derive on serious toxic effects. We studied concentrations of 16 reference PAHs on blubber of two dolphin species (striped dolphin, n = 34; and bottlenose dolphin, n = 8) and one marine turtle (loggerhead turtle, n = 23) from the Mediterranean waters of SE Spain, an important or potential breeding area for these and other related species. Σ16 PAHs concentrations were relatively similar between the three species, but they were in the lower range in comparison to worldwide data. Of the six PAHs detected, fluoranthene was the only high molecular weight (HMW) PAH, so low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs predominated. Naphthalene and phenanthrene were invariably those PAHs with higher detection rates as well as those with higher concentrations. In accordance with the literature, sex and length did not have significant influence on PAHs concentrations, probably due to high metabolization rates which prevent for observation of such patterns. Despite LMW PAHs are considered less toxic, we cannot dismiss toxic effects. This is the first work assessing PAHs concentrations in cetaceans and sea turtles from the SE Spain, which could serve as the baseline for future research.

POPs concentrations in cetaceans stranded along the agricultural coastline of SE Spain show lower burdens of industrial pollutants in comparison to other Mediterranean cetaceans.

Despite the Mediterranean Sea being one of the world's marine biodiversity hotspots, it is a hotspot of various environmental pollutants. This sea holds eight cetacean with resident populations whose numbers are considered to decline in the last decades and which are particularly susceptible to POPs bioaccumulation due to their peculiar characteristics. In this work, we studied blubber concentration of various OCPs and several PCBs and PBDEs congeners in cetaceans stranded in the northern coast of the Gulf of Vera (Region of Murcia, SE Spain) between 2011 and 2018. Most compounds and congeners were above the limit of detection in most samples, although some pesticides like endosulfan stereoisomers or endrin were never detected. DDT and its metabolites, PCBs and metoxychlor appear as the dominant compounds while PBDEs shows concentrations of lower magnitude. Striped dolphin was the species accounting for higher concentrations of most pollutants. There were differences in concentrations and profiles between species which could be partially explained by differences on diet and feeding behavior. We also observed differences based on life history parameters suggesting maternal transfer for most POPs, in accordance with other works. DDE/ ΣDDT ratio suggest no recent exposure to these pesticides. Despite showing lower concentrations than some previous works, PCB concentrations accounted for higher total TEQ than many studies. According to toxicity thresholds in the literature, we cannot guarantee the absence of health consequences on populations studied, especially for those caused by PCBs. These findings are of major importance considering the relevance of the study area in the conservation of Mediterranean cetaceans.

Trace elements in blood of Baltic gray seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) from the Gulf of Riga and their relationship with biochemical and clinical parameters.

Trace elements are pollutants of both natural and anthropogenic origin which can influence negatively on ecosystem and wildlife health. We evaluated trace element in blood samples of gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) stranded in the Gulf of Riga and their influence on their health status through hematological and biochemical profiles. Zn showed the highest levels followed by Cu > Se > Pb > THg > As. Cr and Cd were not detected. Most trace element levels were generally comparable to those reported in seal species; however, high Pb values were observed in those sample showing detectable concentrations (<0.046-257.6 µg/kg ww). Significant positive correlations were found between trace elements concentrations and various biochemical parameters, including Se-ASAT, Se:Hg-ASAT, Cu-TP, Cu-ALB, CuCa, Zn-ALAT, ZN-LDH, ZnP, Zn-Segment neutrophils, and Pb-CK. Nevertheless, most relationships were not strong enough (p > 0.04) to assume a toxicological implication. Despite its limitations, this information could serve as the baseline for future research.

A First Record of Organochlorine Pesticides in Barn Owls (Tyto alba) from Portugal: Assessing Trends from Variation in Feather and Liver Concentrations.

We evaluated feathers as a non-destructive biomonitoring tool documenting organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in liver and checked possible trends in pesticide use in two areas based on OCP concentrations in barn owls (Tyto alba). We measured the concentrations of 16 OCP in 15 primary feathers and 15 livers from barn owl carcasses collected on roadsides in Tagus Valley and Évora regions, south Portugal. Total OCP mean concentration was 8 120 ng g-1 in feathers and 178 ng g-1 in livers. All compounds were detected in feathers while in livers δ-HCH, endosulfan sulphate, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDD were not detected. The high ß-HCH and heptachlor concentrations in feathers most likely derived from external endogenous contamination. P,p'-DDE was the OCP with the highest hepatic concentration. Both matrices indicated an exposure to recently released heptachlor. The differing OCP concentrations between Tagus Valley and Évora seem to reflect differences in land-use and pesticide use histories of the two locations, and/or faster degradation of OCP in the Tagus area.

High Levels of Heavy Metals detected in Feathers of an Avian Scavenger Warn of a High Pollution Risk in the Atacama Desert (Chile).

The Atacama Desert represents the highest levels of mining exploitation in Chile, which inexorably results in high levels of pollution. Raptors, and particularly scavengers, have shown their usefulness to evaluate exposure to environmental contaminants in polluted scenarios. In this study, we used primary feathers from a local avian scavenger, turkey vulture Cathartes aura, to evaluate the exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in two locations from the southern Atacama Desert (coastal and inland) and a third location from the bordering semiarid region, in northern Chile. All metals were detected in all analyzed samples (n = 54). Mean concentrations in Coastal Atacama were 0.68 ± 0.84 ppm for Cd; 1.97 ± 2.01 ppm for Pb; 59.11 ± 80.69 ppm for Cu; and 107.96 ± 51.00 ppm for Zn, while mean concentrations in Inland Atacama were 0.55 ± 0.42 ppm for Cd; 3.37 ± 2.61 ppm for Pb; 91.66 ± 77.74 ppm for Cu; and 214.03 ± 99.08 ppm for Zn. Mean concentrations in Coastal Coquimbo were 0.63 ± 0.69 ppm for Cd; 1.57 ± 0.92 ppm for Pb; 18.09 ± 6.12 ppm for Cu; and 149.37 ± 105.56 ppm for Zn. These differences could be explained by differences on abundance of mining settlements among areas. According to the literature, these values are very high for all metals, exceeding in some cases those values referred as responsible of health disorders in birds. We strongly recommend further research looking at potential adverse effects caused by heavy metal pollution on the health of human and wildlife populations in the southern Atacama Desert.

Total Arsenic Concentrations in Sea Turtle Tissues from the Mediterranean Coast of Spain.

In this work we studied total arsenic concentrations in liver, muscle and kidney of 49 individuals of two sea turtle species (loggerhead sea turtles, n = 45; leatherback turtles, n = 4) stranded in Murcia (South-eastern Spain) coastline between 2009 and 2018. In accordance with the literature, muscle was the tissue with the highest concentrations in both species, followed by liver and kidney. Although differences in arsenic concentrations were not statistically significant between the study species, loggerhead sea turtles showed concentrations two or three times higher than those of leatherback turtles, which we attribute to differences on feeding behavior and habitat preferences. Arsenic concentrations in turtles from this area increase evidence of western Mediterranean Sea as a hotspot for metal pollution. Based on the scarce existing knowledge on arsenic toxicity in sea turtles, those levels found in our study are below those responsible for liver damage.

Stranded cetaceans warn of high perfluoroalkyl substance pollution in the western Mediterranean Sea.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of organohalogenated compounds of environmental concern due to similar characteristics as the well-studied legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that typically show environmental persistence, biomagnification and toxicity. Nevertheless, PFAS are still poorly regulated internationally and in many aspects poorly understood. Here, we studied liver and muscle concentrations in five cetacean species stranded at the southeastern coast of Spain during 2009-2018. Twelve of the fifteen targeted compounds were detected in >50% of the liver samples. Hepatic concentrations were significantly higher than those in muscle reflecting the particular toxicokinetics of these compounds. Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus showed the highest hepatic ΣPFAS (n = 5; 796.8 ± 709.0 ng g-1 ww) concentrations, followed by striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (n = 29; 259.5 ± 136.2 ng g-1 ww), sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus (n = 1; 252.8 ng g-1 ww), short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis (n = 2; 240.3 ± 218.6 ng g-1 ww) and Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus (n = 1; 78.7 ng g-1 ww). These interspecies differences could be partially explained by habitat preferences, although they could generally not be related to trophic position or food chain proxied by stable N (δ15N) and C (δ13C) isotope values, respectively. PFAS profiles in all species showed a similar pattern of concentration prevalence in the order PFOS>PFOSA>PFNA≈PFFUnA>PFDA. The higher number of samples available for striped dolphin allowed for evaluating their PFAS burden and profile in relation to the stranding year, stable isotope values, and biological variables including sex and length. However, we could only find links between δ15N and PFAS burdens in muscle tissue, and between stranding year and PFAS profile composition. Despite reductions in the manufacturing industry, these compounds still appear in high concentrations compared to more than two decades ago in the Mediterranean Sea and PFOS remains the dominating compound.

How to integrate stereotactic body radiation therapy and hypofractionation in the management of stage III lung cancer in the age of immunotherapy / Cómo integrar la radioterapia estereotáxica fraccionada y el hipofraccionamiento en el manejo del cáncer de pulmón localmente avanzado en la era de la inmunoterapia

The constant advances in the field of lung cancer immunotherapy have recently reached the treatment of locally advanced disease with the approval of durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation. However, radiation therapy continues to be key for controlling the disease at this stage. Over the years, different strategies have been employed to try to optimize outcomes using radiotherapy, with cardiac and pulmonary toxicity as the main limitation on its success. The interest in the use of hypofractionation and stereotactic body radiation therapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer has increased as knowledge regarding these kinds of treatments has been enhanced. Hypofractionation is a relatively frequent treatment, although the level of evidence that supports it is limited. For its part, stereotactic body radiation therapy has been particularly studied as a boost after chemoradiation, with encouraging results. In both cases, study of how to integrate these tools with chemotherapy and particularly with immunotherapy is essential, as they may have an immunomodulatory role

The constant advances in the field of lung cancer immunotherapy have recently reached the treatment of locally advanced disease with the approval of durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation. However, radiation therapy continues to be key for controlling the disease at this stage. Over the years, different strategies have been employed to try to optimize outcomes using radiotherapy, with cardiac and pulmonary toxicity as the main limitation on its success. The interest in the use of hypofractionation and stereotactic body radiation therapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer has increased as knowledge regarding these kinds of treatments has been enhanced. Hypofractionation is a relatively frequent treatment, although the level of evidence that supports it is limited. For its part, stereotactic body radiation therapy has been particularly studied as a boost after chemoradiation, with encouraging results. In both cases, study of how to integrate these tools with chemotherapy and particularly with immunotherapy is essential, as they may have an immunomodulatory role

How to integrate stereotactic body radiation therapy and hypofractionation in the management of stage III lung cancer in the age of immunotherapy.

The constant advances in the field of lung cancer immunotherapy have recently reached the treatment of locally advanced disease with the approval of durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation. However, radiation therapy continues to be key for controlling the disease at this stage. Over the years, different strategies have been employed to try to optimize outcomes using radiotherapy, with cardiac and pulmonary toxicity as the main limitation on its success. The interest in the use of hypofractionation and stereotactic body radiation therapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer has increased as knowledge regarding these kinds of treatments has been enhanced. Hypofractionation is a relatively frequent treatment, although the level of evidence that supports it is limited. For its part, stereotactic body radiation therapy has been particularly studied as a boost after chemoradiation, with encouraging results. In both cases, study of how to integrate these tools with chemotherapy and particularly with immunotherapy is essential, as they may have an immunomodulatory role.

Physical inactivity and excessive sucrose consumption are associated with higher serum lipids in subjects with Taq1B CETP polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidaemias result from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including diet disequilibrium and physical inactivity. Among the genetic factors associated with serum lipids, the Taq1B CETP polymorphism has been investigated. The B1 allele has been considered as a risk factor for dyslipidaemia because of its association with greater CETP levels and higher serum triglycerides. The present study aimed to determine the role of the Taq1B polymorphism with lipid and anthropometric variables and its interaction with diet and physical activity. METHODS: In total, 215 subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Diet intake was evaluated using a 3-day food consumption record and physical activity was determined in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations. The Taq1B CETP polymorphism was determined by allelic discrimination. RESULTS: Subjects with the B1B2/B2B2 genotype, who had a sucrose consumption ≥5% of the total kcal day-1 , had higher levels of total cholesterol (TC) [165.55 (142.21-188.89) mg dL-1 versus 200.19 (184.79-215.60) mg dL-1 ; P for interaction = 0.034] and low-density lipoprotein [99.29 (75.52-123.05) mg dL-1 versus 128.64 (113.59-143.69) mg dL-1 ; P for interaction = 0.037] than subjects with the B1B1 genotype. Subjects who did not perform physical activity and had the B1B2/B2B2 genotype showed significantly higher levels of TC [177.48 (161.36-193.60) mg dL-1 versus 194.49 (185.43-203.56) mg mL-1 ; P for interaction = 0.033] than subjects with the B1B1 genotype. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that subjects with inadequate environmental factors carriers of the polymorphic genotype had higher serum lipid levels than subjects with the B1B1 genotype.

A critical review about neurotoxic effects in marine mammals of mercury and other trace elements.

Marine mammals are more exposed to mercury (Hg) than any others animals in the world. As many trace elements, Hg it is able to impair the brain function, which could be a cause of population decline. Nevertheless, these issues have been scarcely studied because of the technical and ethical difficulties. We conducted a systematic review about marine mammals' brain exposition to Hg and other trace elements, and their neurotoxic effects. Information was scarce and the lack of standardization of nomenclature of brain structures, sample collecting and results presentation made it difficult to obtain conclusions. Hg was the most studied metal and toothed whales the most studied group. Despite being its target organ, brain accumulates lesser concentrations of Hg than other tissues as liver. We found a significant positive correlation between both organs' burden (rho = 0.956 for cetaceans; rho = 0.756 for pinnipeds). Reported Hg values in brain of cetaceans (median 3.00 ppm ww) surpassed by one or two orders of magnitude those values found in other species as pinnipeds (median 0.33 ppm ww) or polar bears (median 0.07 ppm ww). Such values exceeded neurotoxicity thresholds. Although marine mammals ingest mostly the organic and more toxic form MeHg, different fractions of inorganic mercury can appear in brain, which could suggest some detoxification mechanisms. Other suggested mechanisms include Se-Hg interaction and liver sequestration. Although other elements are subjected to a rigid homeostatic control, appear in low concentrations or do not exert an important neurotoxic effect, they should be more studied to elucidate their neurotoxicity potential.

Fatty acids, epigenetic mechanisms and chronic diseases: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic illnesses like obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases, are worldwide major causes of morbidity and mortality. These pathological conditions involve interactions between environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors. Recent advances in nutriepigenomics are contributing to clarify the role of some nutritional factors, including dietary fatty acids in gene expression regulation. This systematic review assesses currently available information concerning the role of the different fatty acids on epigenetic mechanisms that affect the development of chronic diseases or induce protective effects on metabolic alterations. METHODS: A targeted search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline databases using the keywords "fatty acids and epigenetic". The data were analyzed according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. RESULTS: Consumption fatty acids like n-3 PUFA: EPA and DHA, and MUFA: oleic and palmitoleic acid was associated with an improvement of metabolic alterations. On the other hand, fatty acids that have been associated with the presence or development of obesity, T2D, pro-inflammatory profile, atherosclerosis and IR were n-6 PUFA, saturated fatty acids (stearic and palmitic), and trans fatty acids (elaidic), have been also linked with epigenetic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Fatty acids can regulate gene expression by modifying epigenetic mechanisms and consequently result in positive or negative impacts on metabolic outcomes.

Hg and Se in Organs of Three Cetacean Species from the Murcia Coastline (Mediterranean Sea).

We determinated Hg and Se concentrations in liver, kidney, brain, lung and muscle of five bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), four common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and four Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) stranded along the Murcia coast, Southeast Spain, in order to evaluate the risk of Hg toxicity. Hg concentrations showed similar concentrations to other individuals in the Mediterranean Sea with the same length in the same period. We observed a positive correlation of Hg and Se in liver (r = 0.948, p < 0.001) and kidney (r = 0.939; p = 0.001) and ratio the Se/Hg molar was higher than 1 in most cases. Our results suggest that the protective effects of Se against Hg toxicity occur in cetaceans. However, we detected levels of Hg described as responsible liver damage and neurotoxicological effects so other tools, as biochemical markers, should be included. Besides, more studies are needed to evaluate the risk of Hg exposure in dolphins from Murcia coastline.

From Mexico to the Beagle Channel: A review of metal and metalloid pollution studies on wildlife species in Latin America.

Emissions of metals and metalloids (Hg; Cd; Cr; Cu; Pb; Ni; Zn; Fe; Mn; As; Se) generated by natural (e.g., geothermal activity) or anthropic causes (eg., industry or mining) represent a worldwide contamination problem, especially in developing countries. Exposure to high concentrations of these elements is harmful to living beings, including humans. Information on this type of contamination is scarce and fragmented, limiting research which could benefit from these data. To know the state of the research, we reviewed the studies of environmental pollution by metals and metalloids carried out on animal species in Latin America. The use of animals as biomonitors of contamination by metals and metalloids is a continuously expanding practice that allows for early detection of problems. With this work, we were able to identify the most studied areas in Latin America (Amazon, Gulf of California, coastal area between Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis and River Plate Estuary). Moreover, we provide information on the most studied metals (Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) and wild species, which evidence the use of endangered species. The data reviewed should help researchers to direct their efforts towards sparsely researched areas and facilitate bibliographic consultation of scientific information on exposure to metals and metalloids in Latin America.

Trace metals in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Murcia coastline, Mediterranean Sea, during the period 2009-2015.

Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) concentrations in internal tissues of 72 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Murcia Region (Mediterranean coastline) have been investigated for the first time. Hg showed the highest concentration, followed by Se, Cd, As and Pb. In general, the levels of metal found in this study were similar to those described in similar studies in the Mediterranean Sea. However, in some adult specimens, Hg liver concentrations were related with toxic effects in cetacean. A significant correlation was observed with age, likewise between Se and Hg and Cd in tissues, which agree with detoxify effect attributed to Se through inert complex formation. Molar ratio Hg:Se in liver was close to 1:1 in some specimens, which would indicate overload of the Hg-Se detoxify function and compromised health. These results could contribute to a better knowledge of the distribution of these persistent pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea.

Development of a QuEChERS method for simultaneous analysis of antibiotics in carcasses for supplementary feeding of endangered vultures.

Antibiotics have been beneficial for human and animal health. However, an excessive use in livestock and a deficient management of the carcasses can lead to adverse effects in the scavengers that ingest them, especially in "supplementary feeding sites" (SFS). The aim of this study was to assess the potential risk of exposure to antibiotics for an endangered population of Cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) from southeastern Portugal. Hence, a multi-residue method based on QuEChERs was adapted and validated to analyse, in small volumes of tissues, the most frequent antibiotics used in livestock. The method was applied to 87 samples of liver, muscle and kidney from 7 goats and 25 sheep disposed in SFS. According to questionnaires to farmers, the animals had not been treated with antibiotics, but analyses showed residues in 29% of the samples. Antibiotics were more frequent in goats (42.9%) than in sheep (24.2%), and oxytetracycline and trimethoprim were the most common (both 13.8%). Oxytetracycline, the most common antibiotic for livestock in Portugal, showed the highest concentration (1452.68 ng g-1). To our knowledge, this is the first study of presence of antibiotics in carrion from SFS. The concentrations of antibiotics in carrion do not seem to pose a risk of acute intoxication for adult Cinereous vultures. However, subtle and likely chronic exposure with unknown health consequences may occur, which requires more research. Moreover, the results of this first study can be used in future studies to assess the risk for avian scavengers.

Comparison of the inflammatory and stress response between sprint interval swimming and running.

The aim of the study was to compare myocellular damage, metabolic stress, and inflammatory responses as well as circulating sodium (Na+ ) and potassium (K+ ) between a single sprint swimming and running training. Eighteen subjects regularly involved in swimming and running training for at least 2 years were recruited. The subjects performed 8 × 30 seconds "all out" exercise on different days either by running or by swimming in a random order. Blood was collected before each training session, after the cessation of exercise (post) and after 2 hours of rest (2 hours). We then analyzed tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 6 (IL-6), cortisol, creatine kinase MB isoform (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), K+ , and Na+ . Neither TNF-α nor IL-10 differed between swimming and running. Most of the subjects showed a non-statistically significant increase of LDH and CK-MB after swimming. On the other hand, IL-6 (P < .05) and cortisol (P < .05) were significantly lower after 2 hours of swimming than after running. In addition, post-exercise K+ was significantly lower (P < .001) for swimming than for running. Our results provide evidence of similar inflammatory responses between exercise modes but lower metabolic stress in response to swimming than in response to running.

Expression of MIF and TNFA in psoriatic arthritis: relationship with Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profiles and clinical variables.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis. The cause of this pathology is still unknown, but research suggests the diseases are caused by a deregulated cytokine production. MIF is a cytokine associated with immunomodulation of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles in inflammatory diseases. Based on this knowledge, the aim of this study was to determine the association of MIF and TNFA expression with Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles in serum levels of PsA patients. A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 PsA patients and 30 control subjects (CS). The cytokine profiles were quantified by BioPlex MagPix system and the mRNA expression levels by real-time PCR. TNFA mRNA expression was 138.81-folds higher in PsA patients than CS (p < 0.001). Regarding MIF mRNA expression, no significant differences were observed; however, a positive correlation was identified between MIF mRNA expression and PsA time of evolution (r = - 0.53, p = 0.009). An increase of Th1 (IFNγ: PsA = 37.1 pg/mL vs. CS = 17 pg/mL, p < 0.05; TNFα: PsA = 24.6 pg/mL vs. CS = 9.8 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) and Th17 cytokine profiles (IL-17: PsA = 6.4 pg/mL vs. CS = 2.7 pg/mL, p < 0.05; IL-22: PsA = 8.4 pg/mL vs. CS = 1.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001), were found in PsA patients. Th2 cytokines were not significantly different in both groups. In conclusion, a high expression of TNFA mRNA, as well as an increase of Th1 and Th17 cytokine profiles evaluated by IFNγ, TNFα, IL-17, and IL-22 cytokines, was observed in PsA patients.

High expression of interleukine-1 receptor antagonist in rheumatoid arthritis: Association with IL1RN*2/2 genotype.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. IL-1Ra is an anti-inflammatory cytokine codified by IL1RN gene that blocks IL-1 signalling. A VNTR polymorphism of 86 bp in IL1RN gene has been associated with RA risk and regulation of IL-1Ra expression. In this study, we determined mRNA and protein expression of IL-1Ra in RA patients and control subjects (CS). This study included 85 RA patients classified according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and 67 CS. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify IL1RN VNTR polymorphism, the expression of sIL-1Ra (secreted isoform) mRNA was determined by SYBR Green-based real time quantitave-PCR assay, and IL-1Ra soluble levels quantification was evaluated by ELISA test. RA patients had higher soluble levels of IL-1Ra than CS (p < .01), sIL-1Ra mRNA expression was higher in RA patients compared to CS (p < .01). Carriers of IL1RN*2/2 homozygous genotype show increased IL-1Ra soluble levels compared to IL1RN*long/long and IL1RN*2/long genotypes (p < .05) in the CS group, whereas mRNA expression in carriers of IL1RN*2/2 genotype was 1.2 times higher compared to IL1RN*long/long genotypes in the same group. Regarding RA patients, high expression of sIL-1Ra mRNA on carriers of IL1RN*long/long genotype was observed. Nevertheless, in RA patients IL-1Ra soluble levels among genotypes did not show significant differences. High expression of IL-1Ra in RA patients under treatment or not with antirheumatic drugs was detected. Additionally, carriers of IL1RN*2/2 genotype had higher IL-1Ra expression than carriers of other genotypes.