Cytokine Reduction in the Treatment of Joint Conditions

[摘要] The destruction of joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis andosteoarthritis is characterized by an imbalance of enzyme catalysedcartilage breakdown and regeneration. A complex cytokine networkperpetuates joint conditions by direct regulation ofmetalloproteases, by indirect recruitment of cells that secretedegradative enzymes, and by inhibition of reparative processes. Thedestructive action of cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6and tumour necrosis factor-α can be modulated at multiplepoints associated either with cytokine production or with cytokineaction. Potential agents for cytokine reduction include selectiveanti-cytokine antibodies, anticytokine receptor antibodies, cytokinereceptor antagonist proteins, and soluble and chimeric cytokinereceptor molecules. Pharmacologic regulation of IL-1 and TNFαremain primary targets for treatment of arthritis, and results ofearly clinical trials are promising. However, the results oflong-term clinical trials will be required to support the value ofanti-cytokine therapy in treatment of arthritis.

[学科分类] 生理学与病理学