Treatment of Crohn's disease with recombinant human interleukin 10 induces the proinflammatory cytokine interferon gamma.

Background: Interleukin 10 (IL-10) exerts anti-inflammatory actions by counteracting many biological effects of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma).

Aims: To investigate this in humans, we studied the effects of human recombinant IL-10 administration on IFN-gamma production by patient leucocytes. Furthermore, we assessed the IFN-gamma inducible molecule neopterin and nitrite/nitrate serum levels, which are indicative of endogenous nitric oxide formation.

Chemiluminescence in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a parameter of inflammatory activity.

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in excess in the inflamed mucosa and peripheral blood of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. These species have emerged as a common pathway of tissue injury in a wide variety of inflammatory and other disease processes. The present study was conducted to assess ROS production and to correlate this with parameters of inflammatory activity.

Iron and inflammatory bowel disease.

Both anaemia of iron deficiency and anaemia of chronic disease are frequently encountered in inflammatory bowel disease. Anaemia of iron deficiency is mostly due to inadequate intake or loss of iron. Anaemia of chronic disease probably results from decreased erythropoiesis, secondary to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen metabolites and nitric oxide.

Safety and efficacy of recombinant human interleukin 10 in chronic active Crohn's disease. Crohn's Disease IL-10 Cooperative Study Group.

Background & Aims: Interleukin (IL)-10 is a cytokine with potent anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the safety and efficacy of different doses of human recombinant (rhu)IL-10 in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods: A prospective, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 329 therapy-refractory patients with CD.

Homocysteine in inflammatory bowel disease: a risk factor for thromboembolic complications?

Objective: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for thromboembolic events. Hyperhomocysteinemia, which is an established risk factor for arterial as well as venous thrombosis, may be more prevalent in IBD because of vitamin deficiencies.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we studied the concentrations of total homocysteine (tHcy), cobalamin, folate, and pyridoxine in 231 consecutive patients with IBD, of whom 16 patients had a history of venous thrombosis, and nine a history of arterial thrombosis.