Tumour necrosis factor: implications for surgical patients
Alizan A Khalil1, John C Hall, Farah A Aziz
1School of Surgery and Pathology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. aabdulkh@bigpond.net.au
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|October 24, 2006
Summary
Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), an inflammatory cytokine, exhibits dual roles in cell death and regeneration. Genetic variations in TNFA may identify high-risk surgical patients, influencing disease progression and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a key inflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages.
- TNF-alpha possesses paradoxical functions, capable of inducing both cell death (apoptosis, oncosis) and promoting cellular regeneration and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological activities and genetic polymorphisms of TNF-alpha.
- To explore the therapeutic potential and limitations of TNF-alpha and anti-TNF-alpha treatments in various pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal experiments and clinical trials.
- Analysis of studies investigating TNF-alpha's role in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and sepsis.
Main Results:
- Genetic polymorphisms in the TNFA gene are linked to patient outcomes in surgical settings.
- Anti-TNF-alpha therapies show efficacy in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis but are less effective in sepsis.
- TNF-alpha exhibits anti-cancer properties and has been utilized in cancer patient treatment.
Conclusions:
- TNF-alpha's complex biological activities and genetic variations have significant implications for disease management.
- Targeted manipulation of TNF-alpha presents therapeutic opportunities but requires careful consideration of specific disease contexts.
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