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Cytokines, sepsis and the surgeon
J M Brown1, M A Grosso, A H Harken
1Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262.
Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Trauma and infection trigger complex neuroendocrine responses. Novel molecules like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) are key mediators in surgical disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Trauma and infection induce complex neuroendocrine responses involving stress hormones.
- Molecular biology is revealing new mediators of these responses.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) are cytokines with diverse biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of previously unidentified molecules in neuroendocrine responses to trauma and infection.
- To investigate TNF and IL-1 as potential mediators of common surgical diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular biology findings on neuroendocrine responses.
- Analysis of the known functions and properties of TNF and IL-1.
Main Results:
- TNF mediates tumor necrosis, endotoxemia lethality, and immune/metabolic changes.
- IL-1 is a key mediator of inflammation and the acute phase response.
- TNF and IL-1 exhibit complex actions due to multiple forms, varied localization, synergistic effects, and self-amplification.
Conclusions:
- The diverse capabilities of TNF and IL-1 position them as significant mediators in common surgical diseases.
- Understanding these cytokine roles is crucial for advancing treatment strategies.