Using infliximab to treat Crohn’s disease
Introduction
Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that causes inflammation in any part gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. In response to this inflammation, the body’s immune system attacks the GI tract (Dessein, 2008). The progression of this chronic inflammatory disease is brought about by the action of several cellular processes and pro-inflammatory mediators (Poggioli, 2007). Because there is no single factor that can be targeted to stop the development of Crohn’s disease, there is no cure for it. However, certain drugs can be used to target specific mediators in order to treat the disease. Infliximab is an example of a drug that is used to treat CD by targeting a proinflammatory cytokine called tumour necrosis factor-α (Colombel, 2010).
Mechanism of action of Infliximab
Tumour necrosis factor-α is a type II transmembrane protein that is released by active T …show more content…
The volume of distribution (Vd) of the drug was higher in the central compartment (V1) than in the peripheral compartment (V2) (52.7 mL/kg and 19.0 mL/kg respectively) (Fasanmade, 2011). This is as expected as the drug is administered in the blood and binds to the TNF molecules found on the surface of cells that are found close by to the blood vessels of the GI tract. Weight effects the PK properties of Infliximab. There is a positive correlation between the weight of the patient and the total CL and total Vd. Based on the fact that V1 and CL of Infliximab was higher in male ulcerative colitis patients than in female patients (Fasanmade, 2009), it can be assumed that the sex of CD patients would also influence the PK properties of Infliximab. However, further research is necessary to confirm this. Age is not a factor that effects the PK properties of the
Introduction
Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that causes inflammation in any part gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. In response to this inflammation, the body’s immune system attacks the GI tract (Dessein, 2008). The progression of this chronic inflammatory disease is brought about by the action of several cellular processes and pro-inflammatory mediators (Poggioli, 2007). Because there is no single factor that can be targeted to stop the development of Crohn’s disease, there is no cure for it. However, certain drugs can be used to target specific mediators in order to treat the disease. Infliximab is an example of a drug that is used to treat CD by targeting a proinflammatory cytokine called tumour necrosis factor-α (Colombel, 2010).
Mechanism of action of Infliximab
Tumour necrosis factor-α is a type II transmembrane protein that is released by active T …show more content…
The volume of distribution (Vd) of the drug was higher in the central compartment (V1) than in the peripheral compartment (V2) (52.7 mL/kg and 19.0 mL/kg respectively) (Fasanmade, 2011). This is as expected as the drug is administered in the blood and binds to the TNF molecules found on the surface of cells that are found close by to the blood vessels of the GI tract. Weight effects the PK properties of Infliximab. There is a positive correlation between the weight of the patient and the total CL and total Vd. Based on the fact that V1 and CL of Infliximab was higher in male ulcerative colitis patients than in female patients (Fasanmade, 2009), it can be assumed that the sex of CD patients would also influence the PK properties of Infliximab. However, further research is necessary to confirm this. Age is not a factor that effects the PK properties of the