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dadamowiki A wikipedia of Dr. D'Adamo's research |
Cytokines
See AlsoDescription
Cytokines are small secreted proteins which mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. They must be produced de novo in response to an immune stimulus. They generally (although not always) act over short distances and short time spans and at very low concentration. They act by binding to specific membrane receptors, which then signal the cell via second messengers, often tyrosine kinases, to alter its behavior (gene expression). Responses to cytokines include increasing or decreasing expression of membrane proteins (including cytokine receptors), proliferation, and secretion of effector molecules.
Non-nutrient environmental factors affecting cytokine concentration
From Kaput and Rodriguez ( {{Kaput J. An introduction and overview of nutritional genomics: Application to type 2 diabetes and international nutrigenomics. In: From Kaput J and Rodriguex R. <u>Nutritional Genomics</u>. 2006 Wiley}} )
- Overall sleep time and sleep continuity
- Oxygen tension, which is related to altitude.
- Over-the-counter drugs (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Water intake relative to tea and other beverages.
- Physical activity, including genetic fitness to activity
- Psychological factors like stress
- Exposure to allergens and pollutants
- Circadian rhythm and seasonal changes
- Balance between energy intake and expenditure
Discussion
Cytokine blocking has had some clinical applications, including the use of Etanercept, a dimeric fusion protein consisting of the extracellular ligand-binding portion of the human p75 TNF-alpha cellular receptor linked to the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 for the treament of Alzheimer's dementia. Etanercept specifically binds to TNF-alpha, rendering it biologically ineffective.( {{Tobinick E, Gross H, Weinberger A, Cohen H. TNF-alpha modulation for treatment of Alzheimer's disease: a 6-month pilot study. MedGenMed. 2006;8(2).}} )
Remicade (infliximab), also a TNF-alpha agonist, has been shown to have effectiveness in a variety of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and psoriasis. ( {{Penn H. Biologic therapies in autoimmune diseases.
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