Anti-TNF-alpha therapy and systemic vasculitis.
TNF-α is a pleiotropic cytokine, which plays a major role in the pathogenesis of numerous autoimmune and/or inflammatory systemic diseases. Systemic vasculitis constitutes a group of rare diseases, characterized by inflammation of the arterial or venous vessel wall, causing stenosis and thrombosis. Treatment of the different type of vasculitis mainly relies on steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. In case of refractory or relapsing diseases, however, a second line of treatment may be required. Anti-TNF-α drugs have been used in this setting during the last 15 years with inconsistent results. We reviewed herein the use of anti-TNF-α therapy in different kind of vasculitis and concluded that, except for Behcet's disease, this therapeutic option has not demonstrated significant improvement in the treatment of vasculitis.
Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital de la Conception, 147 boulevard Baille, 13005 Marseille, France ; INSERM UMR S 1076, UFR Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille-Université, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, CS 30064, 13385 Marseille, Cedex 5, France.
Pierre-André
0000-0001-8003-9615
PA
Jarrot
Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital de la Conception, 147 boulevard Baille, 13005 Marseille, France ; INSERM UMR S 1076, UFR Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille-Université, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, CS 30064, 13385 Marseille, Cedex 5, France.
Gilles
G
Kaplanski
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D056647:Systemic Vasculitis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000276:immunology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha