| Theme | Gastrointestinal Diseases and Cytokines : Pathophysiological Control | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Role of Cytokines in Ulcerative Colitis | |
| Publish Date | 2005/03 | |
| Author | Shigeru Oshima | Deparfmenf of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| Author | Mamoru Watanabe | Deparfmenf of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| [ Summary ] | Inflammatory bowel disease is thought to result from inappropriate and ongoing activation of the mucosal immune system driven by the presence of normal luminal flora. Cytokines are local mediators produced by cells of the lymphoid and macrophage lineage as well as by epithelial cells. In ulcerative colitis, the immune response is characterized by increased secretion of IL-5, but not IL-4 or IFN-γ, by lamina propria lymphocytes and a lack of increase of IL-12. Therefore, at the cytokine level, the immunopathogenesis of ulcerative colitis versus Crohn's disease is quite distinct. The enthusiasm for biologic therapy in Crohn's disease has also begun to expand into clinical trials for ulcerative colitis, with a flurry of reports exploring the efficacy of infliximab and several promising new biologic agents in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Cytokines and anticytokines show great promise for treatment of ulcerative colitis. | |