This protein (or a combination of them) triggers the body's immune response to any external stimulus, be it inflammation, infection, injury, or tumor.

TNF analysis allows you to determine the presence and / or stage of cancer or other systemic disease and choose an effective treatment strategy.

General information

For the first time, this component was found in the blood of laboratory mice after a complex of routine vaccinations. Subsequently, scientists found that when TNF is suppressed by specific blocking substances (antibodies), the immune system ceases to function normally. This leads to the development of a number of serious diseases: psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, etc.

TNF is a hormone-like protein produced by white blood cells called leukocytes. It is involved in the metabolism of fats, affects the processes of blood coagulation, is responsible for the functioning of endothelial cells (cells lining the walls of blood vessels from the inside), etc.

There are 2 types of TNF: alpha and beta. TNF-alpha is rarely detected in the blood of a healthy person, only in the case of the penetration of pathological microorganisms, histamines, poisons, etc. The response time of the body is about 40 minutes, and after 1.5-3 hours the concentration of TNF-alpha in the blood serum reaches its peak. TNF-beta is detected in the blood only 2-3 days after contact with the antigen (irritant).

TNF in oncology

Experiments with mice made it possible to establish the dependence of the oncoprocess on the concentration of TNF in the body - the higher its level, the faster the cancerous tissues die. Tumor necrosis factor activates special receptors that detect a malignant cell, block its further division and contribute to its death (necrosis). In the same way, TNF acts on cells affected by viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms. At the same time, the surrounding healthy tissues are not involved in the process of destruction of pathological cells.

In addition to the fact that TNF has a pronounced cytotoxic (antitumor) effect, this protein:

• participates in the self-regulation of the immune system, activates the defenses;
• responsible for the following processes in the body:
  • migration (movement) of immunity cells (leukocytes);
  • apoptosis (disintegration and death of malignant cells);
  • blocking angiogenesis (the formation and growth of tumor blood vessels);
• can affect cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy drugs.

The analysis for TNF consists in determining the concentration of the alpha form of the protein in the blood serum. The disadvantage of the technique is the low specificity, i.e. the inability to establish a specific pathology. Therefore, making an accurate diagnosis requires a number of other laboratory tests (general blood and urine tests, CT, ultrasound, ECG, X-ray, etc.).

Indications for analysis for TNF

A doctor may prescribe this test to assess the general state of the immune system for regularly recurring systemic diseases and relapses of autoimmune pathologies.

Also, this examination is quite informative in the diagnosis of the following diseases:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• chronic lung diseases;
• burns and injuries;
• connective tissue pathology;
• cancer processes;
• atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain and heart, ischemic disease (CHD), chronic heart failure;
• autoimmune disorders (scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, etc.);
• acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas);
• liver damage (alcohol intoxication), damage to its parenchyma in hepatitis C;
• septic shock (complication of infectious diseases);
• endometriosis (growth of tissues of the inner walls of the uterus);
• multiple sclerosis;
• rejection of an implant or graft after transplantation;
• neuropathies (pathological processes in the nerves).

An oncologist, infectious disease specialist, immunologist or general practitioner issues a referral for analysis and deciphers the results.

Norm for TNF

It should be taken into account that this indicator is studied in dynamics, i.e. Several tests must be done to obtain reliable results.

TNF increased

Exceeding the norm of TNF is most often observed in the following conditions:

• the presence of infectious and viral diseases (endocarditis, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, herpes, etc.);
• shock after injury, burns;
• burn disease (burns from 15% of the entire surface);
• DIC syndrome (a blood clotting disorder in which blood clots form in small vessels);
• sepsis (severe intoxication of the body with pathogenic microflora and its waste products);
• autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, etc.);
• allergic processes in the body, incl. relapse of bronchial asthma;
• graft rejection after transplantation;
• psoriasis (non-infectious dermatosis);
• oncological processes in the body;
• myeloma (bone marrow tumor);
• dementia against the background of atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels;
• hemodynamic disturbances (decrease in the force of contractions of the heart, high vascular permeability, low cardiac output, etc.);
• coronary atherosclerosis (damage to the blood vessels that feed the heart);
• chronic inflammation of the bronchi (bronchitis);
• collagenosis (systemic or local damage to the connective tissue);
• abscesses and inflammation of the pancreas;
• obesity.

High TNF in pregnant women indicates violations of intrauterine formation and development of the fetus or infection of the amniotic fluid, as well as the threat of miscarriage or premature birth.

Decreasing values

A decrease in the TNF index is observed in the following cases:

• congenital or acquired human immunodeficiency, incl. AIDS;
• oncology of the stomach;
• pernicious anemia (impaired hematopoiesis due to vitamin B12 deficiency);
• severe infectious diseases of viral etiology;
• atopic syndrome (the patient has asthma or atopic dermatitis with allergic rhinitis).

A decrease in the concentration of TNF can be facilitated by the intake of hormones, incl. corticosteroids, cytostatics, antidepressants, immunosuppressants, etc.

Preparation for analysis

To determine TNF, venous blood serum in a volume of up to 5 ml is required.

• Biomaterial sampling is carried out in the morning (at the peak of TNF concentration) and on an empty stomach. The last meal should be made at least 8-10 hours ago. It is also forbidden to drink any liquid other than ordinary non-carbonated water.
• On the eve of blood sampling and half an hour immediately before the procedure, it is necessary to observe a rest mode. Physical activity, sports training, weight lifting, brisk walking, excitement and stress are prohibited.
• The test is performed before other laboratory tests (ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI, fluorography, etc.).
• It is advisable not to smoke 2-3 hours before the manipulation, and on the eve it is forbidden to take alcoholic beverages, drugs, steroids.

Other Immunity Tests

Diagnosis by symptoms

Find out your probable illnesses and which doctor to go to.

tumor necrosis factor alpha

The term "tumor necrosis factor - alpha" appeared in 1975 (Kakhektin). TNF or cachectin is a non-glycosylated protein capable of exerting a cytotoxic effect on a tumor cell. The name of the protein TNF-alpha means its antitumor activity associated with hemorrhagic necrosis. It can cause hemorrhagic necrosis of some tumor cells, but does not damage healthy cells. It appears macrophages, eosinophils.

tumor necrosis factor alpha is not determined in the blood serum of healthy people, its characteristics increase in the presence of infection and bacterial endotoxins. In inflammation of bone tissue and other inflammatory processes, TNF-alpha is determined in the urine, it will affect tumor cells due to apoptosis, the generation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. It simply relieves tumor cells and cells affected by the virus, participates in the development of the immune system's reaction to the introduction of the antigen, inhibits the formation of lymphocytes, and has a radioprotective effect.

At low concentrations, TNF exhibits biological activity. Regulates the immune-inflammatory response in injuries or infections, is the main catalyst for neutrophils and endothelial cells, for their interaction and the upcoming movement of leukocytes, an increase in the number of fibroblasts and endothelium during wound healing.

TNF-alpha can act as a hormone, entering the blood, provokes the formation of phagocytes, increases blood clotting, and reduces appetite.

In tuberculosis and cancer, it is a fundamental factor in the development of cachexia. TNF plays an important role in the pathogenesis and choice of treatment in septic shock, rheumatoid arthritis, endometrial proliferation, necrotic brain lesions, multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis, nerve lesions, alcohol liver injury, diagnosis and prognosis during the treatment of hepatitis C.

An elevated level of TNF-alpha provokes acquired heart failure, exacerbation of asthma. The concentration of TNF increases with obesity, while it is clearly expressed in adipocytes of visceral adipose tissue, it reduces the activity of the tyrosine kinase of the insulin sensor, and delays the action of intracellular glucose transporters in muscle and adipose tissue.

It is also believed that the synthesis of endogenous TNF-alpha in some cases is a positive factor for patients, as this is a manifestation of protective forces. TNF is of great importance in detecting inflammatory processes in pregnant women. An increase in the expression of TNF in amniotic water indicates a violation of intrauterine development of the fetus.

The state of the immune system of the newborn is determined by the level of TNF-alpha. The first stages of the study of TNF gave reason to think that it performs the function of providing antitumor protection in the body, but in the upcoming studies it was shown that it has a wide range of bioactivity and participates in physiological and pathological processes.

It is clear that most of the cellular parts and at the biological level of active substances are involved in the protective reactions of the body, and in the development of an inflammatory reaction. TNF has a pleiotropic effect and induces the expression of adhesive molecules on vascular endothelial cells, which act as a link between blood and tissues. Small doses of cachectin increase the body's resistance to, for example, malaria infection, and high doses promote infection and complicate the course of the disease right up to death.

An overestimated content of TNF in the blood plasma was noted in patients suffering from sharpened and acquired gastritis, hepatitis, alcohol and ulcerative colitis, as well as Crohn's disease (an inexplicable granulomatous process that affects the gastrointestinal tract). Acute pancreatitis or pancreatic abscess, acute viral and bacterial manifestations in the respiratory tract are also accompanied by an increase in the level of monokine (TNF).

It is clear that tobacco smoke causes the activation of macrophages, provokes the production of cytokines. Therefore, in smoking people, the biosynthesis and secretion of monokine by alveolar macrophages is increased by 3 times compared with awake people. Excess production of TNF is a prerequisite for the development of depressive conditions and inflammatory skin diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, pemphigus, psoriasis). A large role of cachectin in the development of acute and acquired nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and destruction of vascular walls has been revealed.

It has been established that TNF is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, since when diagnosed, a significant concentration of it is determined in such patients. The amount of TNF in patients with transplanted organs or tissues is of great importance in the development of the “rejection syndrome”, the characteristics of the content of TNF in the blood plasma serve as an aspect for determining the prognosis of conditions after transplantation.

4.Tnf, TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor)

TNF-a and TNF-b - two closely related proteins (about 30% of amino acid residues are homologous) - show similar activity in relation to the inflammatory response, immune and tumor processes. TNF-α, first detected in the serum of mice injected with bacterial products, induces tumor cell necrosis. TNF-b, or lymphotoxin, was found in the lymph nodes of immunized rats. The source of TNF-a is an activated macrophage, TNF-b is an activated T-cell. Both factors, through the same specific TNF receptors on the cell surface, cause lysis of lymphoma cells, necrosis of sarcoma induced by methylcholanthrene, activate polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and exhibit antiviral activity.

TNF-alpha (also called cachectin) is a pyrogen. Plays an important role in the pathogenesis of septic shock caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Under the influence of TNF-alpha, the formation of hydrogen peroxide and other free radicals by macrophages and neutrophils sharply increases. In chronic inflammation, TNF-alpha activates catabolic processes and thus contributes to the development of cachexia, a symptom of many chronic diseases.

When studying various products secreted by activated macrophages, a factor was obtained that lysed a large set of tumor cells in vivo and in vitro. According to the main biological effect, it received the name - tumor necrosis factor.

In parallel studies, another factor was isolated from cultures of activated T cells, which also had lytic activity against foreign cells. Based on the type of cells that produce this factor, it has come to be referred to as lymphotoxin. A detailed study of these factors revealed a close structural and functional similarity between them. Their real names are tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-beta, lymphotoxin).

5. Colony stimulating factors

Colony stimulating factors are hormones that stimulate the formation of monocytes and neutrophils in the bone marrow.

When studying the culture of hematopoietic cells, it was shown that specific growth factors are necessary for the reproduction and differentiation of cells. The factors that maintain hematopoiesis in such a culture are glycoproteins and are commonly referred to as colony stimulating factors, or CSF. Of the increasing number of CSFs that have been identified, some circulate in the blood and act as hormones, while others play the role of local chemical mediators.

These cytokines (colony stimulating factors) are involved in the regulation of division and differentiation of bone marrow stem cells and blood leukocyte precursor cells. The balance of various CSFs to a certain extent determines the ratio between the various types of leukocytes formed in the bone marrow. Some CSF stimulate further cell differentiation outside the bone marrow.

Of the hormonal type CSF, erythropoietin, which is produced in the kidneys and regulates erythropoiesis (erythrocyte formation), is the best studied.

The second colony-stimulating factor, interleukin 3 (IL-3), is responsible for the survival and proliferation of pluripotent stem cells and most types of their committed descendants of the erythroid series. Four different CSFs have also been identified that stimulate the formation of neutrophil and macrophage colonies in cell culture. These CSFs are synthesized by various cell types, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and lymphocytes. These are the above-mentioned interleukin 3 and more selective GM-CSF (for granulocytes and macrophages), G-CSF (for granulocytes) and M-CSF (for macrophages). Like erythropoietin, all of these CSFs are glycoproteins. Their effect on progenitor cells consists not only in triggering the mechanism for the formation of differentiated colonies, but also in the activation of specialized functions (such as phagocytosis and killing of target cells) in cells with complete differentiation.

Mechanisms of action of cytokines

There are intracrine, autocrine, paracrine and endocrine mechanisms of action of cytokines. 1. Intracrine mechanism - the action of cytokines inside the producer cell; binding of cytokines to specific intracellular receptors. 2. Autocrine mechanism - the action of a secreted cytokine on the secreting cell itself. For example, interleukins-1, TNFα are autocrine activating factors for monocytes/macrophages. 3. Paracrine mechanism - the action of cytokines on nearby cells and tissues. For example, IL-1, and -18, TNFα, produced by a macrophage, activate T-helper (Th0), which recognizes the antigen and MHC of the macrophage (Scheme of autocrine-paracrine regulation of the immune response). 4. Endocrine mechanism - the action of cytokines at a distance from the producing cells. For example, IL-1, -6 and TNFα, in addition to auto- and paracrine effects, can have a distant immunoregulatory effect, a pyrogenic effect, induction of the production of acute phase proteins by hepatocytes, symptoms of intoxication, and multiorgan lesions in toxic-septic conditions.

Many severe diseases lead to a significant increase in the level of IL-1 and TNF-alpha. These cytokines contribute to the activation of phagocytes, their migration to the site of inflammation, as well as the release of inflammatory mediators - lipid derivatives, that is, prostaglandin E2, thromboxanes and platelet activating factor. In addition, they directly or indirectly cause the expansion of arterioles, the synthesis of adhesive glycoproteins, activate T- and B-lymphocytes. IL-1 triggers the synthesis of IL-8, which promotes the chemotaxis of monocytes and neutrophils and the release of enzymes from neutrophils. In the liver, albumin synthesis decreases and the synthesis of acute-phase inflammatory proteins increases, including protease inhibitors, complement components, fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, ferritin, and haptoglobin. The level of C-reactive protein, which binds to damaged and dead cells, as well as some microorganisms, can increase up to 1000 times. It is also possible a significant increase in the concentration of amyloid A in the serum and its deposition in various organs, leading to secondary amyloidosis. The most important mediator of the acute phase of inflammation is IL-6, although IL-1 and TNF-alpha can also cause the described changes in liver function. IL-1 and TNF alpha enhance each other's influence on local and general manifestations of inflammation, so the combination of these two cytokines, even in small doses, can cause multiple organ failure and persistent arterial hypotension. Suppression of the activity of any of them eliminates this interaction and significantly improves the patient's condition. IL-1 activates T- and B-lymphocytes more strongly at 39*C than at 37*C. IL-1 and TNF-alpha cause a decrease in lean body mass and loss of appetite leading to cachexia with prolonged fever. These cytokines enter the bloodstream for only a short time, but it is enough to start the production of IL-6. IL-6 is constantly present in the blood, so its concentration is more consistent with the severity of fever and other manifestations of infection. However, IL-6, unlike IL-1 and TNF-alpha, is not considered a lethal cytokine.

List of used literature

Simbirtsev A.S. [Text] / Cytokines: classification and biological functions // Cytokines and inflammation.-2004.-V.3.-№2.-S.16-23

Kolman, Ya. Visual biochemistry [Electronic resource] / Rem K.-G. - http://www.chem.msu.su/rus/teaching/kolman/378.htm

Cytokines [Electronic resource] - http://nsau.edu.ru/images/vetfac/images/ebooks/microbiology/stu/immun/cytokyni.htm

Knowledge base on human biology [Electronic resource] / Immunology: Cytokines. - http://humbio.ru/humbio/immunology/imm-gal/00142edc.htm

Autocrine-paracrine regulation of the immune response

Tumor necrosis factor

Interleukin 1, alpha

Interleukin 1, beta

Interleukin 18 (interferon-gamma-inducing factor)

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What is tumor necrosis factor?

One of the many proteins that trigger the process of tumor cell death is the human tumor necrosis factor (hereinafter TNF). It is actively produced when any pathology is present in the body - inflammation, autoimmunization, malignant formations.

It should be noted that modern scientific literature contains the designation of the term as TNF and TNF-alpha. The second is considered irrelevant, however, some authors cite it in their writings.

TNF is produced by blood cells - monocytes, microphages, lymphocytes, as well as vascular endothelium. Its maximum concentration is noted a couple of hours after the appearance of the antigen in the body. At the same time, healthy cells are not damaged.

A bit of history

In 1975, after the experimental introduction of BCG and endotoxin into the blood of a rodent, the tumor cell necrosis factor was determined for the first time. The following was revealed: the blood serum contained a substance that has a cytotoxic and cytostatic effect on a certain cell group. Thus, hemorrhagic necrosis of tumors previously grafted to rodents was recorded. That's where the name came from. The role of TNF is quite important not only in the presence of neoplasms. This factor is also necessary for a healthy body. But it has not yet been fully explored.

Manifestations

How does TNF behave in the body?

• Participates in immune responses.
• Regulates inflammatory processes.
• Affects hematopoiesis.
• Has a cytotoxic effect.
• Shows cross-system effect.

When microbes, viruses, foreign proteins enter the body, this leads to the activation of immunity. Thanks to TNF, the number of T- and B-lymphocytes increases, and the movement of neutrophils to the focus of inflammation is created. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages "stick" to the vessel membrane at the site of the inflammatory process. Increased vascular permeability in the area of ​​inflammation, and this is also the result of the work of TNF.

Tumor necrosis factor is found in urine, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, which indicates a cross-system effect. This protein regulates the functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems. The beta form of TNF has a local effect, and the immune system is activated systemically and metabolism is regulated, which occurs due to the presence of the alpha form.

Diagnostics

Laboratory diagnostics of the TNF level is rarely performed, but in certain types of diseases it is simply necessary. So, this analysis is indicated if a person has:

1. Frequent and prolonged infectious and inflammatory processes.
2. Autoimmune diseases.
3. Malignant tumors.
4. Burns of various origins.
5. Injuries.
6. Collagenosis, rheumatoid arthritis.

When is TNF elevated?

The level of TNF in the blood above the norm occurs in such conditions:

• blood poisoning (sepsis);
• DIC syndrome;
• autoimmune diseases;
• infections of various etiologies;
• allergic reactions;
• oncological processes;
• in case of rejection of the transplanted donor organ by the recipient.

In the presence of a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, antibodies to human tumor necrosis factor alpha are determined in the urine, and also if there is a process of accumulation of fluid in the joint bag.

An increased number of cachectin is determined in the presence of the following diseases:

• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• hepatitis C;
• brain damage;
• impaired liver function under the influence of alcohol;
• multiple sclerosis;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• obesity;
• abscess of the pancreas.

Elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha in the blood serum worsen the condition of a person with cardiovascular insufficiency and bronchial asthma.

Of great importance is the timely determination of cachectin in the blood of a pregnant woman, which helps to identify the pathology of fetal development, amniotic infection and the threat of preterm birth. Exceeding its norm may indicate the presence of an inflammatory disease in a pregnant woman, which is caused by a bacterial component.

A sudden, rapid spike in tumor necrosis factor in a blood test can be caused by bacterial endotoxin and result in septic shock.

Important for the preliminary percentage prediction of the rejection syndrome in organ transplantation to the recipient from a donor is the amount of TNF.

If the amount of antibodies to the tumor necrosis factor exceeds the norm, this leads to changes in hemodynamics: the strength of myocardial contractions is reduced, the vascular wall becomes permeable, the cells of the whole organism are exposed to cytotoxic effects.

A blocker that suppresses the effects of natural TNF interferes with optimal immune function.

This state of affairs leads to the following diseases: psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and so on.

Tumor necrosis factor is a hormone-like protein that is produced by protective cells of the body, affects the change in the composition of lipids, the coagulation of the functions of endothelial cells lining blood vessels.

The above factors cause cell death.

When is TNF reduced?

A reduced TNF in a blood test is noted in the presence of the following conditions:

• primary, secondary immunodeficiency (including AIDS);
• severe course of a viral infection;
• extensive burn, burn disease;
• severe injury;
• tumor of the stomach;
• the presence of aggravated atopic syndrome;
• therapy with cytostatics, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids.

Types of TNF and application in oncology

Currently, there are two categories of TNF:

1. TNF, or alpha, involves monocytes in the process of tumor regression, provoking the presence of septic shock. This same protein is being upgraded into a prohormone with a very long, atypical range of elements.
2. Beta is a cytokine, and interleukin slows down or stops its reaction.

The purposeful use of drugs that suppress the production of antibodies to the human tumor necrosis factor in oncological diagnoses made it possible to identify the following patterns:

• studies conducted on laboratory mice testified to the fact of a decrease in the numerical index of tumor cells or a slowdown in the existing oncological process due to necrosis of cancer tissue;
• the central role in maintaining the average constancy of immunity underlies the stimulation of its protective function;
• provokes the activity of apoptosis, angiogenesis, differentiation and migration of immune cells.

With a change in the parameters of the energy of the system, various TNF receptors come into action, which causes variable possibilities for the treatment of a malignant tumor.

Cancer therapy with tumor necrosis factor

Medicines that contain this substance are prescribed for targeted therapy. Their medicinal properties are:

• in combination with melphalan, TNF is widely used in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities;
• due to the increase in the amount of interleukin (1.8-1.6), a substance is formed that counteracts a specific tumor;
• used as an additional drug to provide a neutralizing effect, in connection with the complications that have arisen;
• a tumor necrosis factor antagonist is the optimal drug for patients with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma.

Medicines

TNF analogs are actively used in oncology. Together with chemotherapy, they are effective in breast cancer and other tumors.

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have an anti-inflammatory effect. But with any infectious process, you should not immediately prescribe them, since the body itself must fight the disease.

A good result is shown:

"Azitropine" or "Mercaptopurine" is prescribed in the case of T-cell lymphoma.

"Refnot" is a new Russian drug containing TNF and thymosin-alpha 1. It has low toxicity, while being effective almost like a natural factor, it has an immunostimulating effect. A drug was developed in 1990. After passing all the tests, it was registered in 2009. Thus, in case of malignant neoplasms, it is prescribed in complex therapy.

Patients with cancer diagnoses should be aware of the results of studies in which the negative effects of TNF have been reported. Often this happens if the dosage of the medicine was incorrectly calculated.

Then the tumor necrosis factor thymosin (the main action of which is aimed at inducing the maturation of T-lymphocytes), enhances the manifestation of immune reactions, reduces the formation of autoantibodies, and is included in the mechanism of the development of oncological disease.

In this regard, the use of drugs in this category takes place only under the strict supervision of a specialist.

Price

A frequent question of patients - how much does this analysis cost? A laboratory study of TNF costs from 800 to 3400 rubles (the average price is about 1700 rubles). The analysis is carried out by far not all medical institutions. Abroad, the cost will be from 100 to 250 dollars. But these are only approximate figures, since a lot depends on the clinic itself and the range of its services.

With an optimistic attitude to recovery, any disease can be defeated! We have examined in detail the tumor necrosis factor, as far as its effect on cancer cells and the body as a whole has been studied.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF): role in the body, determination in the blood, administration in the form of drugs

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an extracellular protein that is practically absent in the blood of a healthy person. This substance begins to be actively produced in pathology - inflammation, autoimmunization, tumors.

In modern literature, you can find its designation as TNF and TNF-alpha. The latter name is considered obsolete, but is still used by some authors. In addition to alpha-TNF, there is another form of it - beta, which is formed by lymphocytes, but much slower than the first - for several days.

TNF is produced by blood cells - macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes, as well as the endothelial lining of blood vessels. When a foreign antigen protein (a microorganism, its toxin, tumor growth products) enters the body, TNF reaches its maximum concentration within the first 2-3 hours.

Tumor necrosis factor does not damage healthy cells, but it has a strong antitumor effect. For the first time, such an effect of this protein was proved in experiments on mice in which regression of tumors was observed. In this regard, the protein got its name. Later studies showed that the role of TNF is not limited to the lysis of tumor cells, its action is multifaceted, it takes part not only in reactions in pathology, but is also necessary for a healthy body. At the same time, all the functions of this protein and its true essence still raise a lot of questions.

The main role of TNF is participation in inflammatory and immune responses. These two processes are closely related and cannot be separated. At all stages of the formation of the immune response and inflammation, tumor necrosis factor acts as one of the main regulatory proteins. In tumors, both inflammatory and immune processes, “controlled” by cytokines, also actively occur.

The main biological effects of TNF are:

• Participation in immune reactions;
• regulation of inflammation;
• Influence on the process of hematopoiesis;
• Cytotoxic action;
• intersystem effect.

When microbes, viruses, foreign proteins enter the body, immunity is activated. TNF promotes an increase in the number of T- and B-lymphocytes, the movement of neutrophils to the site of inflammation, the "sticking" of neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages to the inner lining of blood vessels at the site of inflammation. An increase in vascular permeability in the area of ​​development of the inflammatory response is also the result of the action of TNF.

The effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on body cells

Tumor necrosis factor affects hematopoiesis. It inhibits the reproduction of erythrocytes, lymphocytes and white blood cells, but if hematopoiesis is suppressed for any reason, then TNF will stimulate it. Many active proteins, cytokines, have a protective effect against radiation. TNF also has this effect.

Tumor necrosis factor can be detected not only in blood, urine, but also in cerebrospinal fluid, which indicates its cross-system effect. This protein regulates the activity of the nervous and endocrine systems. The beta-type of TNF has a predominantly local effect, and the organism owes its systemic manifestations of immunity, inflammation and regulation of metabolism to the alpha-form of the cytokine.

One of the most important effects of TNF is cytotoxic, that is, cell destruction, which fully manifests itself during the development of tumors. TNF acts on tumor cells, causing their death due to the release of free radicals, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Since single cancer cells are formed in any organism throughout life, healthy people also need TNF for their timely and rapid neutralization.

Transplantation of organs and tissues is accompanied by the placement of foreign antigens into the body, even if the organ is the most suitable for a set of specific individual antigens. Transplantation is often accompanied by activation of local inflammatory reactions, which are also based on the action of TNF. Any foreign protein stimulates an immune response, and transplanted tissues are no exception.

After transplantation, an increase in the content of cytokine in the blood serum can be detected, which indirectly may indicate the onset of a rejection reaction. This fact underlies research on the use of drugs - antibodies to TNF, which can slow down the rejection of transplanted tissues.

The negative effect of high concentrations of TNF can be traced in severe shock against the background of septic conditions. The production of this cytokine is especially pronounced during infection with bacteria, when a sharp suppression of immunity is combined with heart, kidney, and liver failure, leading to the death of patients.

TNF is able to break down fat and deactivate the enzyme involved in the accumulation of lipids. Large concentrations of the cytokine lead to depletion (cachexia), so it was also called cachectin. These processes cause cancer cachexia and malnutrition in patients with long-term infectious diseases.

In addition to the described properties, TNF also plays a reparative function. Following damage in the focus of inflammation and an active immune response, healing processes increase. TNF activates the blood coagulation system, due to which the zone of inflammation is delimited by means of the microvasculature. Microthrombi prevent further spread of infection. Activation of fibroblast cells and their synthesis of collagen fibers contributes to the healing of the lesion.

Determination of the level of TNF and its significance

A laboratory study of the level of TNF does not apply to frequently used tests, but this indicator is very important for certain types of pathology. The definition of TNF is shown when:

1. Frequent and prolonged infectious and inflammatory processes;
2. autoimmune diseases;
3. malignant tumors;
4. burn disease;
5. Injuries;
6. Collagenosis, rheumatoid arthritis.

An increase in the level of cytokines can serve not only as a diagnostic but also as a prognostic criterion. So, in sepsis, a sharp increase in TNF plays a fatal role, leading to severe shock and death.

For research, venous blood is taken from the patient, it is not allowed to drink tea or coffee before the analysis, only plain water is allowed. At least 8 hours in advance, you should exclude the intake of any food.

An increase in TNF in the blood is observed when:

• Infectious pathology;
• sepsis;
• burns;
• Allergic reactions;
• Autoimmune processes;
• multiple sclerosis;
• Meningitis and encephalitis of a bacterial or viral nature;
• DIC;
• Graft-versus-host reactions;
• Psoriasis;
• Diabetes mellitus of the first type;
• Myeloma and other tumors of the blood system;
• Shock.

In addition to an increase, a decrease in the level of TNF is also possible, because normally it should be present, albeit in scanty amounts, to maintain health and immunity. A decrease in the concentration of TNF is typical for:

1. immunodeficiency syndromes;
2. Cancer of internal organs;
3. The use of certain drugs - cytostatics, immunosuppressants, hormones.

TNF in pharmacology

The variety of biological responses mediated by TNF prompted research into the clinical use of tumor necrosis factor preparations and its inhibitors. The most promising are antibodies that reduce the amount of TNF in severe diseases and prevent deadly complications, as well as a recombinant synthetic cytokine prescribed for cancer patients.

Actively used drugs analogues of human tumor necrosis factor in oncology. For example, such treatment, along with standard chemotherapy, shows high efficiency against breast cancer and some other tumors.

TNF-alpha inhibitors have anti-inflammatory effects. With the development of inflammation, there is no need to immediately prescribe drugs of this group, because in order to recover, the body itself must go through all the stages of the inflammatory process, form immunity and ensure healing.

Early suppression of natural defense mechanisms is fraught with complications, therefore, TNF inhibitors are indicated only with an excessive, inadequate response, when the body is unable to control the infectious process.

TNF inhibitor drugs - Remicade, Enbrel - are prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease in adults and children, ulcerative colitis, spondyloarthritis, psoriasis. As a rule, these drugs are not used if standard therapy with hormones, cytostatics, antitumor agents is ineffective, if it is intolerable or if there are contraindications to drugs of other groups.

Antibodies to TNF (infliximab, rituximab) suppress excessive production of TNF and are indicated for sepsis, especially with the risk of developing shock; in advanced shock, they reduce mortality. Antibodies to cytokines can be prescribed in case of long-term infectious diseases with cachexia.

Thymosin-alpha (timaktid) is classified as an immunomodulatory agent. It is prescribed for diseases with impaired immunity, infectious pathology, sepsis, for the normalization of hematopoiesis after irradiation, for HIV infection, and severe postoperative infectious complications.

Cytokine therapy is a separate direction in the treatment of oncopathology, which has been developing since the end of the last century. Cytokine preparations show high efficiency, but their independent use is not justified. The best result is possible only with an integrated approach and the combined use of cytokines, chemotherapy and radiation.

TNF-based drugs destroy the tumor, prevent the spread of metastases, and prevent recurrence after removal of tumors. When used simultaneously with cytostatics, cytokines reduce their toxic effect and the likelihood of adverse reactions. In addition, due to the favorable effect on the immune system, cytokines prevent possible infectious complications during chemotherapy.

Among TNF drugs with antitumor activity, refnot and ingaron, registered in Russia, are used. These are drugs with proven effectiveness against cancer cells, but their toxicity is an order of magnitude lower than the cytokine produced in the human body.

Refnot has a direct destructive effect on cancer cells, inhibits their division, and causes hemorrhagic tumor necrosis. The viability of a neoplasm is closely related to its blood supply, and refnot reduces the formation of new vessels in the tumor and activates the coagulation system.

An important property of refnot is its ability to enhance the cytotoxic effect of drugs based on interferon and other antitumor agents. So, it increases the effectiveness of cytarabine, doxorubicin and others, due to which a high antitumor activity of the combined use of cytokines and chemotherapeutic drugs is achieved.

Refnot can be prescribed not only for breast cancer, as indicated in the official recommendations for use, but also for other neoplasms - lung cancer, melanoma, tumors of the female reproductive system

Side effects with the use of cytokines are few, usually a short-term fever, itchy skin. The drugs are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Cytokine therapy is prescribed exclusively by a specialist, self-medication in this case is out of the question, and drugs can be purchased only by prescription. For each patient, an individual treatment regimen and combinations with other antitumor agents are developed.

Tumor necrosis factor is one of a number of protein components provoking the death of cancer cells. TNF itself is a multifunctional cytokine (hormone-like protein element produced by protective cells) that affects lipid metabolism, coagulation and functionality of endothelial cellular components that line blood vessels. These features can provoke cell death. Blockers that suppress the work of natural TNF interfere with the normal functioning of natural resistance.

Tumor necrosis factor in the elimination of oncology

These medicines belong to the target type of treatment. They have the following healing properties:

In combination with Melphalan, it is involved in the elimination of sarcoma lesions of the soft tissues of the arms and legs;
. due to an increase in the dose of interleukins 1.8 and 1.6, there is an effect on the formation of substances that prevent the progression of the oncocenter;
. used as an auxiliary medication in the neutralization of complications provoked by oncology;
. TNF antagonists are an effective treatment for people with non-melanoma skin lesions (eg, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell oncology, lymphoma).

Medicines

As a drug, TNF is determined only in certain clinical trials. The current oncology still does not have the necessary list of knowledge about these medicines. The optimal amount of the substance depends on the specific cancer situation.

General medicines are:
. Remicad;
. Humira;
. Certolizumab;
. Golimumab;
. Mercaptopurine (involved in T-cell lymphoma).

How much does the examination cost?

The validity of the use of tumor necrosis factor in the elimination of oncopathologies is determined individually using tests. The price of this procedure depends on the completeness of the examination, the authority and technical equipment of the honey. institutions, indicators of other diagnostic measures. Based on this, we can say that the price fluctuates around 2-8 thousand rubles. This cost necessarily includes enzyme immunoassay.

Indications for analysis

Collection of information about the state of natural resistance is carried out with frequent bacterial infections, prolonged inflammation, in the presence of pathologies of the autoimmune type. Also, the test is carried out in the presence of oncological lesions, connective tissue defects, chronic pulmonary pathologies.

Preparation for the examination

First of all, in the morning on an empty stomach, blood is donated for analysis (almost all liquids except water are prohibited before donation). The time interval between the last meal and the test should be at least 8 hours. Half an hour before taking a blood sample, even minimal physical activity is contraindicated. Blood is taken from a vein.

TNF Outcome Indicators

The norm is 0-8.21 pg / ml.

Excess:
. infectious pathologies such as hepatitis C;
. infectious endocarditis;
. autoimmune defects;
. allergic defects (for example, bronchial asthma);
. rheumatoid arthritis;
. myeloma pathology.

Downgrade:
. immune deficiency of a hereditary or acquired type;
. taking medications - corticosteroids, cytostatics;
. gastric oncology;
. pernicious anemia.

The most dangerous consequences

Modern medicine uses the tumor necrosis factor carefully, because. certain studies have proven that it is a fundamental element in the progression of sepsis and toxic shock. The presence of this protein component stimulated the activity of bacteria and viruses. It has also been found that TNF is part of the process in which autoimmune pathologies (for example, rheumatoid arthritis) are formed, in which the natural resistance of a person mistakes normal body cells for strangers and attacks them.

To minimize toxic effects, the following measures must be observed:
. apply the technique locally;
. combine with other medicines;
. work with proteins with minimal toxicity;
. use neutralizing antibodies during procedures.
. due to increased toxicity, use is always limited.

Reasons why necrosis factor does not destroy the tumor

Tumor formations are able to effectively resist the body's immune defenses. In addition, the tumor focus itself can produce TNF, provoking paraneoplastic syndromes. Also, the tumor is able to produce receptors for tumor necrosis factor. The so-called "cloud", consisting of these receptors, tightly surrounds the focus, protecting it from damage. It is also worth remembering that cytokines have a dual effect. In other words, they can both inhibit and stimulate tumor growth, so the regulatory authorities did not give the go-ahead for the mass use of the drug.

Each patient is faced with the fact that chemotherapy at stages 3 and 4 ceases to reduce the tumor and metastases. This is an indicator that it is time to switch to more modern methods of cancer therapy. For the selection of an effective method of treatment, you can contact for

The consultation discusses: - methods of innovative therapy;
- opportunities to participate in experimental therapy;
- how to get a quota for free treatment at the cancer center;
- organizational matters.
After the consultation, the patient is assigned the day and time of arrival for treatment, the therapy department, and, if possible, the attending doctor is assigned.

Method of determination Immunoassay.

Material under study Serum

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Regulator of immune and inflammatory reactions.

The term TNF (tumor necrosis factor) was proposed in 1975. It was named for its main biological effect - the ability to have a cytotoxic effect on the tumor cell in vivo. Refers to cytokines. It exists in two forms alpha and beta. Able to cause in vivo hemorrhagic necrosis of some tumor cells without damaging normal cells. But at the same time, it causes shock if its production is due to bacterial endotoxins. TNF-alpha is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 17,400 kDa. It is formed by macrophages, eosinophils and natural killers (14% of lymphocytes). In the blood serum of healthy people, TNF-alpha is practically not detected. Its level increases with infection, the entry of bacterial endotoxins into the body.

In rheumatoid arthritis, TNF-alpha accumulates in joint fluid; in many inflammatory processes, it is also determined in the urine. Factor secretion is recorded after 40 minutes; its maximum is reached in 1.5 - 3 hours after stimulation. The half-life in blood is 15 minutes. TNF-alpha is close to IL-1 and IL-6. But its important feature is the effect on tumor cells due to apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. TNF-alpha can eliminate not only tumor cells, but also cells affected by the virus. It is involved in the development of the immune response, causing the proliferation of B- and T-lymphocytes and prevents the emergence of immunological tolerance. TNF-alpha also inhibits erythro-, myelo- and lymphopoiesis, but has a radioprotective effect.

The biological effects of TNF depend on its concentration. At low concentrations, it acts at its birthplace as a para- and autocrine regulator of the immune-inflammatory response against injury or infection. It is the main stimulator for neutrophils and endothelial cells, for their adhesion and further migration of leukocytes, proliferation of fibroblasts and endothelium during wound healing. In medium concentrations, TNF-alpha, entering the bloodstream, acts as a hormone, exerting a pyrogenic effect, stimulating the formation of phagocytes, enhances blood clotting, reduces appetite, being an important factor in the development of cachexia in chronic diseases such as tuberculosis and cancer.

High concentrations, determined in gram-negative sepsis, are the most important cause of septic shock due to a decrease in tissue perfusion, a decrease in blood pressure, intravascular thrombosis, a sharp, incompatible with life, drop in blood glucose concentration.

TNF plays an important role in the pathogenesis and choice of therapy in various pathologies: septic shock, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), endometriosis, ischemic brain damage, multiple sclerosis, dementia in AIDS patients, acute pancreatitis, neuropathies, alcoholic liver damage, transplant rejection. TNF is considered one of the important markers of damage to the liver parenchyma and, along with other cytokines, has diagnostic and prognostic significance in the treatment of hepatitis C.

An elevated level of TNF-alpha in the blood correlates with the severity of manifestations of chronic heart failure. The exacerbation of bronchial asthma is also associated with an increase in the production of TNF-alpha. The magnitude and dynamics of changes in TNF-alpha, together with IL-1b and IL-6, reflects the severity of the burn disease and the nature of the healing of burns. Techniques are being developed to use anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of sepsis, inflammatory diseases, and tumors. All these methods require regular laboratory monitoring of tumor necrosis factor.

Literature

1. Nasonov E.L. Tumor necrosis factor-a new target for anti-inflammatory therapy of rheumatoid arthritis // RMJ, 2000, vol. 8, no. 17.
2. Suslova T.E. et al. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary atherosclerosis and in individuals with heredity burdened by atherosclerosis // Allergology and Immunology, 2000. - Volume 1. - No. 2. - P. 159.
3. Burtis C., Ashwood E., Bruns D/ Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics/ 2006/ Elsevir Inc,/ pp. 702 - 708.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a specific protein of a group of cytokines - hormone-like substances produced by the immune system. It is of great interest in medicine due to its properties - the ability to cause cell death (necrosis) of intratumoral tissue. This is a real breakthrough in medicine, allowing the use of drugs with TNF for the treatment of cancer.

Discovery history

By the beginning of the 20th century, a pattern was discovered in medical practice: in some patients, there was a decrease and / or disappearance of tumor formations after suffering an infection. After that, the American researcher William Coley began to deliberately inject infectious agents (bacteria and their toxins) into cancer patients.

The method was not recognized as effective, as it had a strong toxic effect on the body of patients. But this was the beginning of a whole series of studies that led to the discovery of a protein called tumor necrosis factor. The discovered substance caused the rapid death of malignant cells implanted under the skin of experimental mice. A little later, pure TNF was isolated, which made it possible to use it for research purposes.

This discovery contributed to a real breakthrough in cancer therapy. Previously, with the help of cytokine proteins, it was possible to successfully treat only some oncological formations - skin melanoma, kidney cancer. But a significant advance in this direction has been made possible by the study of the properties possessed by the tumor necrosis factor. Preparations based on it are included in the chemotherapy procedure.

Mechanism of action

Tumor necrosis factor acts on a specific target cell. There are several mechanisms of action:

• Through special TNF receptors, a multi-stage mechanism is launched - programmed death. This action is called cytotoxic. In this case, either the complete disappearance of the neoplasm or a decrease in its size is observed.
• Through disruption or complete cessation of the cell cycle. The cancer cell becomes unable to divide and tumor growth stops. This action is called cytostatic. Usually, the tumor either stops growing or decreases in size.
• By blocking the process of formation of new vessels of tumor tissue and damage to existing capillaries. The tumor, devoid of nutrition, necrotic, shrinks and disappears.

There are situations when cancer cells can be insensitive to administered drugs due to mutations. Then the above mechanisms do not arise.

Use in medicine

Tumor necrosis factor is used in the so-called cytokine therapy - treatment with specific proteins produced by blood cells responsible for immunity. The procedure is possible at any stage and is not contraindicated for people with concomitant pathologies - cardiovascular, renal, hepatic. To reduce toxicity, recombinant tumor necrosis factor is used.

Treatment with cytokines is a new and progressively developing direction in oncology. At the same time, the use of TNF is considered the most effective. Since this substance is highly toxic, it is used by so-called regional perfusion. The method consists in the fact that an organ or part of the body infected with a tumor is isolated from the general blood flow with the help of special equipment. Then artificially start blood circulation with the introduced TNF.

Dangerous Consequences

In medical practice, tumor necrosis factor is used with caution. A number of studies prove that TNF is a key component in the development of sepsis, toxic shock. The presence of this protein increased the pathogenicity of bacterial and viral infections, which is especially dangerous in the presence of HIV in a patient. It has been proven that TNF is involved in the occurrence of autoimmune diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis) in which the immune system mistakenly takes the tissues and cells of its body for foreign bodies and damages them.

To minimize high toxic effects, the following measures are observed:

• used only locally at the site of tumor formation;
• combined with other drugs;
• work with mutant less toxic TNF proteins;
• injected with neutralizing antibodies.

These circumstances force limited use of tumor necrosis factor. Their treatment must be properly organized.

Diagnostic indicator

A blood test does not register TNF in a healthy body. But its level rises sharply in infectious diseases, when pathogen toxins enter the bloodstream. Then it can be contained in the urine. Tumor necrosis factor in the joint fluid is indicative of rheumatoid arthritis.

Also, an increase in this indicator indicates allergic reactions, oncological diseases, and is a sign of rejection of transplanted donor organs. There is evidence that an increase in this indicator may indicate non-communicable diseases, for example, heart failure, bronchial asthma.

With various immunodeficiencies (including AIDS) and severe viral diseases, as well as injuries and burns, conditions are created that reduce the tumor necrosis factor. A drug that has an immunosuppressive effect will give a similar effect.

Preparations

TNF-based drugs are called targeted drugs - they are able to act aimingly at a specific molecule of a cancer cell, causing the death of the latter. At the same time, the effect on other organs remains minimal, which reduces the toxicity that tumor necrosis factor has. TNF-based drugs are used both independently (monotherapy) and in combination with other drugs.

Today, there are several funds based on TNF, namely:

• NGR-TNF is a foreign drug whose active ingredient is a TNF derivative. Able to damage the vessels of the tumor, depriving it of nutrition.
• Alnorin is a Russian development. Highly effective in combination with interferons.

Refnot is a new Russian drug that also contains thymosin-alpha 1. Its toxicity is extremely low, but its effectiveness is equal to natural TNF and even exceeds it due to its immunostimulating effect. The drug was created in 1990. It successfully passed all the necessary clinical trials and was registered only in 2009, which gave official permission for the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Self-administration of any drugs based on tumor necrosis factor is strictly prohibited. The treatment of oncological diseases is a complexly organized process that takes place exclusively under the supervision of a specialist.

In this article, we will try to figure out what it is - tumor necrosis factor, which raises more questions than answers among scientists. So, tumor necrosis factor (TNF, Tumor necrosis factor, TNF), also called cachectin, is a protein produced by the so-called macrophages and lymphocytes, which has a number of vital properties.

It is able to suppress malignant cells, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and also improves the response of the immune system to external stimuli. TNF affects the process of hematopoiesis, suppressing the growth of the number of lymphocytes in leukemia, and also performs a protective function during radiation. Participates in the processes of the endocrine and nervous systems.

When adverse processes occur in the body, such as cancer cells, for example, the concentration of this protein in the body increases dramatically. This phenomenon was first identified in experiments on mice.

To date, scientists have created a whole area to combat cancer and other types of deadly diseases, called immuno-oncology. Its study is based on the stimulation of the body's own defense mechanisms, which is one of the varieties of such cells - tumor necrosis factor.

Properties and mechanisms

It would seem that if the body itself is capable of producing, then humanity, it seems, should not suffer from such deadly diseases. Why doesn't this happen?

It is not uncommon for TNF to go over to the side of malignant cells and promote their growth. With a high concentration of this type of protein in the body, a person experiences depression, a violation of the immune system occurs, which leads to psoriasis, lupus erythematosus. Inflammatory processes are activated. Tumor necrosis factor can even cause chronic nephritis. Despite the mass of studies and scientific articles on tumor necrosis factor, the true nature and actions of the protein in a given situation have not been fully understood.

Leading clinics in Israel

But after conducting a lot of experiments and laboratory studies, scientists have identified a number of properties inherent in TNF:

• When existing under the action of TNF, necrosis (death) of cancer cells is observed. The uniqueness of TNF is that healthy cells do not undergo any changes;
• The immune system is activated. This is achieved due to the fact that TNF is involved in the process of hematopoiesis and anti-inflammatory processes;
• As the disease progresses, TNF promotes differentiation and migration of immune cells.

The mechanism of action of TNF is such that with the formation of malignant cells, microbes, viruses, the number of lymphocytes increases sharply, and neutrophils migrate to the focus of inflammation. Neutrophils and lymphocytes are introduced into the inner lining of the vessels, where there is inflammation. It was found that TNF proteins are able to suppress the effects of radiation. The destruction of tumor cells is achieved by releasing active forms of nitric oxide, oxygen and free radicals. In healthy people, TNF is usually not detected on tests, but throughout life, cancer cells tend to appear in the body. It is at this moment that TNF cells are connected, which neutralize them.

Let us now consider the mechanisms of TNF that negatively affect health. In medical practice, one has to resort to transplantation of organs and tissues. As you know, any foreign cell causes an immune response, the purpose of which is the rejection of "foreign" cells. It is then that TNF actively acts, which activates inflammatory reactions. Scientists are developing drugs that will suppress the work of TNF, thereby eliminating tissue rejection.

Often, with bacterial infection, a septic condition occurs. In this state, TNF produces a so-called cytokine, which sharply depresses the immune system. Severe shock occurs, accompanied by cardiac and renal failure.

In patients with severe infectious diseases, the so-called cancer cachexia, which is provoked by TNF, may occur. This is due to the fact that TNF is able to break down fat and destroy the enzyme that is involved in the accumulation of lipids.

The detection of the substance cachectin in the blood of a pregnant woman indicates any inflammatory mechanisms caused by bacterial components. In this case, timely detection of an increased concentration of cachectin in the body is vital, since the cause may be infection of the amniotic fluid, a violation of intrauterine development of the fetus. There are other cases in which TNF detection testing is vital. Let's consider them.

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TNF in pharmacology

The huge role of TNF in the human body in the fight against serious diseases is undeniable. Scientists have long worked and are working to develop human TNF and its inhibitors. To date, pharmaceutical scientists have been very successful in this. In medical practice, synthetic analogues of TNF are used, which are used in oncology. Antibodies have also been developed that reduce the amount of TNF in some severe diseases.

Remicade, Enbrel- TNF inhibitors. Their use is advisable for psoriasis, Crohn's disease, arthritis. They are used only in the case when traditional treatment with hormones, cytosatics is not effective.

Infliximab, Rituximab- anti-TNF antibodies. Shown in cases where the infection is accompanied, as it suppresses the concentration of TNF.

Thymosin-alpha (timaktid) is an immunomodulating agent. Used for HIV infections, sepsis and other diseases that require increased immunity.

cytostatics (cytokines)) - used for chemotherapy, after which, as you know, the immune system is suppressed. This class of drugs reduces the risk of infectious complications. Cytostatics as an independent medicine are usually not used. They are combined with chemotherapy and other drugs used to fight cancer.

Widely used in Russia Refnot And Ingaron. They are registered in Russia. They are less toxic Cytokine, but are more effective in fighting cancer.

The effectiveness of this class of drugs does not give reason to use them uncontrollably at your discretion. Their intake should be strictly controlled by a doctor and only when absolutely necessary, when the body is not able to fight the disease on its own.

Analysis price

Not all laboratories of clinics have this type of analysis. The price depends on the region and whether it is a private or public clinic and ranges from 700 to 3500 rubles. Abroad, the cost of analysis varies from one hundred to two hundred dollars.

Video: TNF (from 39:07)