Tumour necrosis factor and inflammatory bowel disease.
BACKGROUND
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced largely by macrophages and T lymphocytes. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous immunoinflammatory processes. Recently, a number of studies have indicated that anti-TNF antibodies may be of value in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.


METHODS
The literature is reviewed regarding the role of TNF in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and the results of administering TNF inhibitors.


CONCLUSIONS
TNF may have a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. The effects of TNF inhibitors are complex and incompletely understood. Anti-TNF antibody strategies may have a role in the treatment of acute exacerbations of the disease but are unlikely to be appropriate therapies for long-term management.
Armstrong
A M
AM
Department of Surgery, Queen's University of Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, UK.
Gardiner
K R
KR
Kirk
S J
SJ
Halliday
M I
MI
Rowlands
B J
BJ
D000906:Antibodies / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000276:immunology
D000906:Antibodies; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha