Immune Function, and Inflammation

Although mesalamine is a salicylate, its therapeutic effect does not appear to be related to cyclooxygenase inhibition indeed, traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs actually may exacerbate IBD. Specific mechanisms of action have not been identified, although a myriad of effects on immune function and inflammation have been shown in vitro. 

Briill F, Mensink RP, Plat J (2009) Plant sterols functional lipids in immune function and inflammation Future Lipidology 4(3) 355-365. doi 10.2217/CLP.09.26... 

MCS, as defined by clinical ecologists, results from chemical exposure however, the mechanisms that have been proposed include altered immune function, neurogenic inflammation, neurologic sensitization, and conditioned reflexes. To date, no mechanism has been established. 

One of the most prominent cytokines involved in both acute inflammation and immune regulation is IL-6 (20). Others, such as IL-5 and IL-4 are able to modulate immune responses, particularly in T helper cell type 2 (TH2)-ielated pathways. Overexpression of lL-6 by Ad vector results in accumulation of lymphocytes, probably through local proliferation, and induction of altered immune responses, such as those in the lung against the Ad vector itself (21). There is an enhanced IgA response to the veetor (22,23), and pulmonary transfer to IL-6-deficient animals can restore immune function and control inflammation in the lung (13). These changes were similar to those seen with pulmonary transfer of IL-6 using vaccinia viral vectors (24). 

Considerable evidence for opioid-chemokine interactions comes from studies of pain and inflammation, where the inherent relationships between pain, inflammation, and the counteracting antinociceptive influences of opioids have considerable biomedical implications. The adaptive changes in immune and nervous system function with chronic inflammation and pain further reveal the inherent interrelatedness between opioids (Ossipov et al. 2003 Evans 2004 Roy et al. 2006 Christie 2008)... 

Complement is not a single protein but comprises a group of functionally linked proteins that interact with each other to provide mar of the effector functions of humoral immunity and inflammation. Most of the components of the system are present in the serum as proenzymes, i.e. enzyme precursors. Activation of a complement molecule occurs as a result of proteolytic cleavage of the molecule, which in itself confers proteolytic activity on the molecule. Thus, many components of the system serve as the substrate of a prior component and, in turn, activate a subsequent component. This pattern of sequential activation results in the system being called the complement cascade. ... 

Multiple factors play a role in the development of AOM. Viral infection of the nasopharynx impairs eustachian tube function and causes mucosal inflammation, impairing mucociliary clearance and promoting bacterial proliferation and infection. Children are predisposed to AOM because their eustachian tubes are shorter, more flaccid, and more horizontal than adults, which make them less functional for drainage and protection of the middle ear from bacterial entry. Clinical signs and symptoms of AOM are the result of host immune response and damage to cells caused by inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukins that are released from bacteria.4... 

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