title: Inhibiting inflammatory cytokines.
abstract: Acute glomerulonephritis is a common cause of renal dysfunction and ultimately renal failure. The inflammation involved is a tightly regulated response with pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines playing key roles. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are the principal pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by intrinsic cells and infiltrating leukocytes. IL-1 and TNF can be directly antagonized using IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) or binding proteins such as soluble receptors or antibodies. Alternatively, cytokines with anti-inflammatory properties can be used to decrease IL-1 and TNF synthesis, increase the production of their natural antagonists and deactivate inflammatory cells such as macrophages. This review will focus on these anti-inflammatory cytokines, principally IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13, and highlight recent research of their activities in existing models of renal disease. The results of these experiments offer a promising new avenue of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Scotland.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Kluth
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Rees
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D046508:Culture Techniques; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D007378:Interleukins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007678:Kidney Glomerulus / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051379:Mice; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D007378:Interleukins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha