CYTOKINES (IMMUNOINFLAMMATORY HORMONES) AND THEIR NATURAL REGULATION IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE (CROHNS-DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE-COLITIS) - A REVIEW

Cytokines, particularly the proinflammatory cytokines, whose role and natural regulation in inflammatory bowel disease are reviewed here, ar e produced by many cell types, including immune cells. Cytokines funct ion as important hormones of the immune system, and many act both regi onally and systemically via specific receptors. The demonstration of i ncreased circulating and mucosal levels of proinflammatory (and other) cytokines (and receptors) in active inflammatory bowel disease does n ot by itself constitute any proof as to the primary involvement of the se mediators. However, they may contribute significantly to disease ma nifestations, and specific therapeutic intervention at the cytokine or cytokine receptor level may show up to be clinically most relevant. T his is underscored by the increasing evidence that proven therapies of inflammatory bowel disease to a great extent seem to function through cytokine modulation.