Cytokines and eicosanoids in rheumatic diseases
Article Abstract:
Eicosanoids are metabolic products of the fatty acid arachidonic acid, and include the prostaglandins, thromboxane, and leukotrienes. They act as local hormones and cause rapid cellular responses. Another group of factors involved in cell regulation are the cytokines, which also act locally but have longer-term effects. Cytokines, such as interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, and interferons, control the growth, development, and function of connective tissue cells and inflammatory mechanisms, and may be involved in rheumatic disease processes. Studies have shown that cytokines may influence the metabolism of eicosanoids, although their effects vary in different types of connective tissue cells. Cytokines such as interleukin 1 increase the production of cyclooxygenase, the enzyme involved in producing prostaglandins and thromboxane, and of phospholipase A2, the enzyme involved in the release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, which are phosphate and fatty acid compounds. The cytokine interleukin 6, normally detected in the blood, increases after minor injury or inflammation, and may be involved in anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which prevent the production of eicosanoids, have a modifying effect on cytokine action, suggesting that eicosanoids are involved in regulating cytokine actions. In addition, eicosanoids may also be directly involved in modifying cell processes. Thus, eicosanoids and cytokines may interact to control inflammatory and immune mechanisms in the cell. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1990
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Immunological evaluation of cytokine and anticytokine immunotherapy in vivo: what have we learnt?
Article Abstract:
Immunotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis may be effective, but long term assessments of the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of immune modulation are needed. Immunotherapy targeting inflammatory and antiinflammatory substances, or cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukins, aims to reduce destructive immune processes. Immunotherapy can be achieved by administering antiinflammatory cytokines, supplying antibodies to inflammatory cytokines, or increasing the level of cytokine receptors in joint spaces.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1999
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