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Inflammatory cytokines and growth in childhood

Maria L Marcovecchio1, Angelika Mohn, Francesco Chiarelli

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.

Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Growth disorders in children with chronic inflammatory diseases are linked to inflammatory cytokines. New biologic drugs targeting these cytokines show promise for improving growth in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Growth disorders are prevalent in children with chronic inflammatory diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
  • Factors contributing to growth failure include poor nutrition, immobilization, medications, and disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review on growth disorders in pediatric chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • To emphasize the role of inflammatory cytokines in mediating growth impairment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on growth disorders and inflammatory cytokines.
  • Analysis of recent studies on the impact of inflammatory cytokines on growth velocity and body composition.

Main Results:

  • Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, are key mediators of growth failure.
  • Recent studies confirm a direct association between elevated cytokine levels and reduced growth.
  • New biologic therapies demonstrate efficacy in controlling disease activity and improving growth outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Growth retardation is a significant challenge in pediatric chronic inflammatory diseases, with proinflammatory cytokines playing a central role.
  • Targeting inflammatory cytokines with novel therapies shows promise for enhancing growth.
  • Further research is needed to define cytokine profiles and optimize treatment strategies for affected children.
Abstract

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