Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0030193 (pain)
 261,466 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We have recently reported that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of thymulin at low doses (50 ng) resulted in thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and upregulation of the level of interleukin-1beta in the liver. In this study, we demonstrate that such injections of thymulin result in a significant elevation in the levels of TNF-alpha (P<0.01), NGF (P<0.01) and PGE(2) (P<0.01) in the liver of the treated rats, in addition to the increase in the levels of IL-1beta. Pretreatment with specific antagonists to each of these factors (polyclonal anti-TNF-alpha, anti-NGF antiserum and IL-1 receptor antagonist) did not result in the abolition of the hyperalgesia as assessed by the paw pressure, hot plate, paw immersion and tail flick tests. However, pretreatment with a combination of the above antagonist and antisera almost completely prevented thymulin-induced hyperalgesia. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, meloxicam, reversed in a dose dependent manner (0.2, 0.4 and 2 mg/kg) thymulin effects as assessed by the different pain tests. It also abolished the thymulin-induced increase in the level of cytokines and NGF in the liver. Our results indicate that PGE(2) could be the key mediator of the hyperalgesic action of thymulin and the observed upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and NGF.
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PMID:The role of cytokines and prostaglandin-E(2) in thymulin induced hyperalgesia. 1085 10

Proinflammatory cytokines contribute to the development of inflammatory and neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia in many in vivo models. The rat skin model was used to investigate the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on the basal and heat-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from nociceptors in vitro. In contrast to the excitatory effects of cytokines observed in vivo, none of the cytokines tested evoked any calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release at normal skin temperature of 32 degrees C. However, the cytokines IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6 but not IL-8 induced a pronounced and transient sensitization of the heat-evoked CGRP release from nociceptors in vitro. This heat sensitization was dose dependent, with EC(50) for IL-1 beta of 2.7 ng/ml and for TNF-alpha of 3.1 ng/ml. The maximum IL-1 beta effect reached almost 600% of the heat-evoked release, and the maximum TNF-alpha effect induced a rise in CGRP release of 350%. In contrast to IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, IL-6 did not induce heat sensitization when applied alone but was only effective in the presence of soluble IL-6 receptor. This suggests a constitutive expression of signaling receptors for TNF and IL-1 beta and the signal transduction molecule gp130 but not IL-6 receptor or IL-8 receptor. Furthermore, the acute cytokine signaling observed in the present study was independent of transcriptional pathways because sensitization occurred on short latency in vitro and under conditions that excluded chemotactic accumulation of immune cells from blood vessels. Our results demonstrate that interleukins may play an important role in the initiation of heat hyperalgesia in inflammation and neuropathy.
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PMID:Involvement of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 but not IL-8 in the development of heat hyperalgesia: effects on heat-evoked calcitonin gene-related peptide release from rat skin. 1093 80

Frozen shoulder is a chronic fibrosing condition of the capsule of the joint. The predominant cells involved are fibroblasts and myofibroblasts which lay down a dense matrix of type-I and type-III collagen within the capsule. This subsequently contracts leading to the typical features of pain and stiffness. Cytokines and growth factors regulate the growth and function of the fibroblasts of connective tissue and remodelling of the matrix is controlled by the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. Our aim was to determine whether there was an abnormal expression or secretion of cytokines, growth factors and MMPs in tissue samples from 14 patients with frozen shoulder using the reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) technique and to compare the findings with those in tissue from four normal control shoulders and from five patients with Dupuytren's contracture. Tissue from frozen shoulders demonstrated the presence of mRNA for a large number of cytokines and growth factors although the frequency was only slightly higher than in the control tissue. The frequency for a positive signal for the proinflammatory cytokines Il-beta and TNF-alpha and TNF-beta, was not as great as in the Dupuytren's tissue. The presence of mRNA for fibrogenic growth factors was, however, more similar to that obtained in the control and Dupuytren's tissue. This correlated with the histological findings which in most specimens showed a dense fibrous tissue response with few cells other than mature fibroblasts and with very little evidence of any active inflammatory cell process. Positive expressions of the mRNA for the MMPs were also increased, together with their natural inhibitor TIMP. The notable exception compared with control and Dupuytren's tissue was the absence of MMP-14, which is known to be a membrane-type MMP required for the activation of MMP-2 (gelatinase A). Understanding the control mechanisms which play a part in the pathogenesis of frozen shoulder may lead to the development of new regimes of treatment for this common, protracted and painful chronic fibrosing condition.
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PMID:Expression of growth factors, cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in frozen shoulder. 1096 82

Inflammatory processes occurring within the central nervous system (CNS) can produce 'illness induced behaviours' which include fever, sleep and the development of allodynia and hyperalgesia. Here we demonstrate the effects of the pro-inflammatory mediators, bacterial endotoxin, and rat recombinant interleukin 1 beta (rrIL-1 beta) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (rrTNF alpha) on the integration of somatosensory information at the single neuronal level, via recordings from wide-dynamic range neurones in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in anaesthetized rats. Intrathecal administration of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 and 100 microg, i.t.) enhanced the activity of dorsal horn neurones, including facilitation of neuronal post-discharge. Intrathecal administration of IL-1 beta (5-5000 pg) or TNF-alpha (5-5000 pg) enhanced dorsal horn neuronal responses, including the acute responses to C-fibre stimulation, wind-up and post-discharge, however, the effects of IL-1 beta were more robust than those of TNF alpha. Intrathecal administration of IL-1 beta (1-1000 pg) also leads to the development of mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia. On the other hand intrathecal application of TNF alpha did not produce changes in sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. Changes in the activity of spinal wide-dynamic range neurones induced by local inflammation may provide a pathomechanism for the clinical pathology of central pain syndrome, which can accompany CNS disease or acute CNS injury.
Eur J Pain 2000
PMID:Intrathecally administered endotoxin or cytokines produce allodynia, hyperalgesia and changes in spinal cord neuronal responses to nociceptive stimuli in the rat. 1098 68

VRCTC-310-Onco (crotoxin, a secretory phospholipase A2+cardiotoxin) is under development as an anti-neoplastic agent. Pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1alpha) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were measured with commercial ELISA kits in sera corresponding to 23 cycles with doses between 0.0025 and 0.023 microg/kg body weight, obtained during the phase I trial of VRCTC-310-Onco. Neither serum TNF-alpha nor IL-1alpha did change significantly after VRCTC-310-Onco. Basal IL-1ra was 794 +/- 97 pg/ml, by 3 h it was similar, 651 +/- 99 pg/ml and at 24 h p.i. it increased to 1197 +/- 122 pg/ml (P<0.001). The increase was dose-dependent. The addition of dexamethasone (required to reduce pain with the highest doses) inhibited IL-1alpha and enhanced the induction of IL-1ra by VRCTC-310-Onco. Summing up, in vivo, in humans, in the dose range tested, VRCTC-310-Onco induces IL-1ra, and does not consistently modify IL-1alpha or TNF-alpha serum levels.
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PMID:In vivo effect of snake phospholipase A2 (crotoxin+cardiotoxin) on serum IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha and IL-1ra level in humans. 1113 38

The concept suggesting the involvement of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated by several clinical trials targeting TNF-alpha. In addition to reduction of pain and swelling, a dramatic effect of TNF blocking therapies on the progression of joint destruction was shown. Nevertheless, complete remissions of the disease are rare even with these powerful therapeutic agents, and the optimal doses and dosage intervals of TNF blockers remain to be determined. Some insights into the pathogenesis of RA are provided by studying the effects of therapeutic TNF blockade on the biology of the disease. The fact that inflammation is not completely halted and destruction is ongoing in some patients suggests that other mechanisms may also be involved, including other cytokines such as interleukin-1 and interleukin-6. In addition to the necessity of understanding the pathogenic events proximal to TNF-alpha induction, pharmacologic intervention with small molecules in the TNF signaling pathways may constitute a promising strategy.
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PMID:One-year inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha: a major success or a larger puzzle? 1133 50

Preliminary findings from a study on the effects of thalidomide on HIV-related wasting syndrome are encouraging. The study shows that at least half of the weight gained by participants was in the form of lean body mass. Side effects included declines in neutrophil counts and pain or tingling in the hands and/or feet. A 0.3 log increase in viral load and no decrease in TNF-alpha levels were also noted. Celgene, the manufacturer of thalidomide, has streamlined an expanded access program and fully covers the cost of the drug for people who qualify for the program. (A phone number is provided for more information.) Additionally, the company is studying the benefits of thalidomide treatment for oral and esophageal aphthous ulcers. Results from the use of three different doses following four weeks will be compared, after which patients will be randomly assigned to either a placebo or thalidomide to determine its ability to prevent a relapse. Because of thalidomide's connection to serious birth defects, it is important that men and women engaging in reproductive sex use precautions to prevent pregnancy.
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PMID:Thalidomide study. 1136 72

Incidence of symptomatic bronchiectasis (BR) occurs in around 2% in patients with late rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its seems that the association BR-RA could be a worsening factor for outcome of RA patients. A 58-year-old woman without dry syndrome, suffering from bronchial purulence over one year was admitted to the Department of Pneumology for hemoptysis and arthritis (knees, ankles, and wrists). Three prior episodes of inflammatory articular pain had occurred after transient bronchial purulence or pneumonitis. CT-scan showed bilateral bronchiectasis. Diagnosis of early RA was proved after the third episode of bronchial purulence related to a strain of Haemophilus influenzae. A strain of Coxiella burnetii was probably responsible for one of the three bronchial surinfections. Latex and Waaler Rose tests were transiently positive during the first episode, and became positive after the third one. At that time, RA was relevant in view of ARA criteria. Cyclic prophylactic antibiotic regimens could be proposed to patients suffering from RA-BR association, in contrast to the cases of patients with isolated BR. This approach could prevent destabilization of RA and reinforce of anti-rheumatic therapy. Activation and release of cytokines (NFk-B, TNF-alpha), and/or bacterial epitopes seems to be directly responsible for the articular destabilization.
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PMID:[Beginning rheumatoid arthritis revealed during bronchiectasis surinfections. Value of cyclic antibiotherapy?]. 1159 57

Fatigue is prominent in cancer patients and probably multifactorial in origin. Factors contributing to fatigue include anemia, weight loss, fever, pain, medication, and infection. In cancer patients, many of these factors are influenced by a frequently disrupted balance between endogenous cytokine levels and their natural antagonists. Indeed, cancer cells and the immune system appear to overexpress a range of cytokines in patients with malignancies. Some of these cytokines act as autocrine or paracrine growth factors for the neoplastic tissue while simultaneously causing secondary symptoms related to fatigue. For instance, cancer-associated anemia may be due to a blunted erythropoietin response and/or cytokines (interleukin-1 [IL-1], IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]), which suppress erythropoiesis. Cancerous cachexia, a wasting syndrome and a hallmark of cancer, can be attributed to loss of appetite or enhanced energy expenditure. Several different interleukins, as well as TNF, interferon-gamma, and leukemia inhibitory factor, act as cachectins in animal models. Similarly, fever and night sweats are influenced by pyrogenic cytokines. Recently, molecules that function as cytokine antagonists have been identified. These molecules may be exploitable in combating the components of cancer-related fatigue, and may inhibit tumor growth as well.
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PMID:The role of cytokines in cancer-related fatigue. 1159 87

The last decade has seen the publication of many studies regarding the impact of both traditional open methods and minimally invasive techniques on a variety of immune function parameters. Clearly, major surgery results in period of cell-mediated immunosuppression that can have an impact on the patient's recovery that would best be avoided. Although there are conflicting data among studies regarding some immune parameters there is general agreement in regards to other variables. The DTH and LPA studies uniformly have shown that open methods result in significantly more immunosuppression than laparoscopic techniques. It seems that the choice of surgical approach does not impact on the absolute number of lymphocytes or lymphocyte subpopulations. There is evidence of a short-lived (less than 1 day) greater shift towards Th2 function, mainly through suppression of the Th1 lymphocyte population, after open surgery than after closed procedures. Regarding circulating monocytes, laparotomy seems to result in greater decreases in HLA-DR expression and monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity while at the same time activating monocytes to elaborate more TNF-alpha and superoxide anion than laparoscopic methods. The data regarding peritoneal macrophages is most confusing; however, most studies do agree that laparotomy results in increased release of cytokines and respiratory burst mediators. The degree to which CO2 pneumoperitoneum suppresses macrophage function is uncertain because, although some studies have shown that CO2 pneumoperitoneum suppresses macrophage function in regards to control animal results, other studies found that the CO2 and control group results are similar. It also is impossible to draw a firm conclusion in regards to the bacterial clearance studies presently. Similarly, the data regarding NK cell counts and function conflict also to the point that a definite conclusion cannot be made. Serum cortisol levels are similar after both types of surgery. The clear majority of the data suggests that open surgery is associated with significantly higher levels of IL-6 and CRP. Minimally invasive methods are less stressful, as judged by these parameters. It seems that one way to avoid or minimize immunosuppression after surgery is to use minimally invasive methods. In theory, based on the animal evidence reviewed in the previous text, laparoscopic cancer resection methods may be associated with improved long-term oncologic outcome. There is no human evidence to support this hypothesis. Middle range results from nonrandomized human cancer colectomy studies, thus far, have yielded outcomes similar to those following open surgery. The incidence of incisional tumor recurrences is similar after both open and closed approaches. The results of the randomized prospective colectomy trials are anxiously awaited. If, as is the case with closed methods, merely preserving the majority of an animal's immune function after surgery lowers the chances of tumor cells establishing metastases, then purposefully stimulating the immune system perioperatively may be a way to avoid the detrimental effects of laparotomy. Such up-regulation of immune function also might improve further the oncologic results after minimally invasive cancer surgery. The early postoperative period may be an ideal window for immune-based anticancer therapies because the tumor burden is at its absolute lowest immediately following resection of the primary. There is strong evidence in the animal setting that a whole host of agents that broadly stimulate the immune system are effective in reducing significantly the incidence of tumor metastases and the growth of tumors after surgery. There also is preliminary evidence that suggests that preoperative tumor vaccines may be an effective means of establishing specific immune responses against the tumor before resection. In theory, the combination of nonspecific perioperative immune up-regulation and preoperative tumor vaccines would provide the patient with the ability to kill tumor cells immediately following surgery period through specific and innate (i.e., nonspecific) immune responses. The arrival of advanced laparoscopic methods for the resection of cancers has led to research that has made it clear that surgery has important detrimental immune consequences. This work also has suggested novel means to avoid postoperative immunosuppression. Minimally invasive methods may be associated with oncologic advantages that go well beyond less pain, a quicker recovery, and a shorter length of stay. More basic science and human studies are needed to shed more light on this intriguing area.
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PMID:The immunologic consequences of laparoscopy in oncology. 1168 34


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