Anti-cytokines in the treatment of inflammation
Mariette, X.
La Revue du Praticien 53(5): 507-511
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 12722608 Document Number: 556385
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and interleukine 1 (IL-1) have a pro-inflammatory effect in all targets of the body. However, every inflammatory disease is characterized by a peculiar profile of secretion of cytokines. TNF alpha blocking agents are a major advance in the treatment of of rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthropathies and Crohn disease. To date, the most common adverse events are reactions to infusions and reactivation of active tuberculosis with infliximab. Association of another immunosuppressive drug, such as methotrexate, decreases the first of these adverse events. IL1-RA is an inhibitor of IL-1 effects which have demonstrated its efficiency in rheumatoid arthritis. These anticytokines represent a dramatic progress in the treatment of inflammatory diseases but we have to stay very careful concerning the possible increased risk of infection or cancer.