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Cytokines and the hepatic acute-phase response
1Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University of Göttingen, Germany.
Seminars in Liver Disease
|July 28, 1999
Summary
The acute-phase reaction involves systemic changes due to injury, primarily driven by cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). This review details their roles, local vs. systemic responses, and impact on liver enzymes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The acute-phase reaction is a systemic response to tissue injury or infection.
- Liver synthesis of plasma proteins significantly changes during this reaction.
- Cytokines, particularly IL-6 and IL-1, are key mediators of these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the detailed role of cytokines in the acute-phase response.
- To discuss differences between local and systemic acute-phase reactions.
- To explore the impact of cytokine and receptor knockout/transgenic models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on cytokine roles in acute-phase response.
- Analysis of findings from cytokine and cytokine-receptor knockout/transgenic mouse models.
- Discussion of metabolic enzyme expression changes in the liver.
Main Results:
- Cytokines, especially IL-6 and IL-1, orchestrate the acute-phase response.
- Distinct differences exist between locally and systemically induced acute-phase responses.
- Cytokine and soluble cytokine receptors play roles in resolving the response.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines are central to the acute-phase reaction, influencing liver protein synthesis and metabolic enzymes.
- Understanding local vs. systemic responses and the role of specific cytokines is crucial.
- Cytokine and receptor interactions are vital for the resolution of inflammation.