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Tumour necrosis factor and inflammatory bowel disease
A M Armstrong1, K R Gardiner, S J Kirk
1Department of Surgery, Queen's University of Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, UK.
Background:
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced largely by macrophages and T lymphocytes. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous immunoinflammatory processes. Recently, a number of studies have indicated that anti-TNF antibodies may be of value in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Methods:
The literature is reviewed regarding the role of TNF in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and the results of administering TNF inhibitors.
Results And Conclusions:
TNF may have a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. The effects of TNF inhibitors are complex and incompletely understood. Anti-TNF antibody strategies may have a role in the treatment of acute exacerbations of the disease but are unlikely to be appropriate therapies for long-term management.