DISCUSSION
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and to observe the presence of any side effects to infliximab.
Infliximab tends to be used as a third-line therapy in patients with moderate to severe UC or as a rescue therapy [8]. However, experts have proposed that earlier use during less severe disease states (i.e., moderate UC) could benefit many patients [9] [10] [11]. Furthermore, infliximab can potentially attain the new treatment goals beyond symptom control in these patients [12].
The pathophysiology of UC is not yet completely elucidated but the general consensus is that UC results from an abnormal mucosal immune response to enteric flora, a response that is in part genetically …show more content…
Extensive research led to the discovery of the role played by TNF alpha in the pathogenesis of UC thus, eventually bringing to light the importance of anti TNF alpha antibodies in the treatment of UC.
Infliximab (Remicade ®) is the first commercially available anti TNF alpha antibody. It is a chimeric murine monoclonal antibody (human Ig G1 coupled to the variable regions of mouse anti- TNF) with a high affinity to the soluble and transmembrane forms of TNF [21]. In October 2006, Infliximab became the first anti TNF antibody to be approved for treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis by the FDA [6] and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) [7]. Currently, infliximab is the only biologic therapy approved for treatment of UC.
Mechanisms of action [19]
Anti TNF antibodies ( infliximab) can:-
Induce apoptosis in monocytes and lymphocytes by binding membrane bound TNF.
Decrease in vitro production of TNF and IFN gamma by intestinal/ peripheral T cells; disrupt CD 40/ CD 40 l pathways in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Inhibit granulocyte- macrophage CSF production by T lymphocytes; restore the gut barrier in patients with Crohn’s disease.
Inhibit integrin expression on the
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and to observe the presence of any side effects to infliximab.
Infliximab tends to be used as a third-line therapy in patients with moderate to severe UC or as a rescue therapy [8]. However, experts have proposed that earlier use during less severe disease states (i.e., moderate UC) could benefit many patients [9] [10] [11]. Furthermore, infliximab can potentially attain the new treatment goals beyond symptom control in these patients [12].
The pathophysiology of UC is not yet completely elucidated but the general consensus is that UC results from an abnormal mucosal immune response to enteric flora, a response that is in part genetically …show more content…
Extensive research led to the discovery of the role played by TNF alpha in the pathogenesis of UC thus, eventually bringing to light the importance of anti TNF alpha antibodies in the treatment of UC.
Infliximab (Remicade ®) is the first commercially available anti TNF alpha antibody. It is a chimeric murine monoclonal antibody (human Ig G1 coupled to the variable regions of mouse anti- TNF) with a high affinity to the soluble and transmembrane forms of TNF [21]. In October 2006, Infliximab became the first anti TNF antibody to be approved for treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis by the FDA [6] and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) [7]. Currently, infliximab is the only biologic therapy approved for treatment of UC.
Mechanisms of action [19]
Anti TNF antibodies ( infliximab) can:-
Induce apoptosis in monocytes and lymphocytes by binding membrane bound TNF.
Decrease in vitro production of TNF and IFN gamma by intestinal/ peripheral T cells; disrupt CD 40/ CD 40 l pathways in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Inhibit granulocyte- macrophage CSF production by T lymphocytes; restore the gut barrier in patients with Crohn’s disease.
Inhibit integrin expression on the