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Endocrine effects of cytokines
1Section of Endocrinology, Division of Medicine, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Cytokines used in cancer therapy can disrupt hormonal balance and metabolism. This review explores how cytokines like interferons and tumor necrosis factor impact endocrine functions, potentially affecting treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cytokine-containing regimens are increasingly used in antineoplastic therapy.
- Cytokines are crucial in neuroendocrine/immune system physiology.
- Potential hormonal and metabolic derangements from exogenous cytokine administration are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the endocrine functions of various cytokines.
- To explore how cytokines may cause hormonal and metabolic derangements.
- To assess the potential impact of these derangements on therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cytokine endocrine functions.
- Analysis of hormonal and metabolic effects of specific cytokines.
- Synthesis of information on interferons, interleukins, and tumor necrosis factor.
Main Results:
- Interferons induce insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, thyroid dysfunction, and stimulate the ACTH/cortisol axis and growth hormone.
- Interleukins' hormonal/metabolic actions are under intensive study, particularly concerning bone metabolism, reproduction, and thyroid.
- Tumor necrosis factor significantly impacts bone metabolism, decreases lipoprotein lipase, and affects thyroid function.
Conclusions:
- Chronic administration of pharmacologic doses of exogenous cytokines can lead to significant hormonal and metabolic alterations.
- These cytokine-induced derangements may complicate the therapeutic efficacy of antineoplastic regimens.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate and manage the endocrine consequences of cytokine therapy.