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Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

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tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) 297<br />

<strong>of</strong> cell membranes. Transforming growth factor<br />

alpha (TGF-alpha) stimulates the cells to grow,<br />

divide, <strong>and</strong> differentiate (cell proliferation). Lymphocytes<br />

<strong>and</strong> macrophages produce TGF-alpha.<br />

TGF-beta stimulates interleukin 1 (IL-1) production<br />

<strong>and</strong> blocks the response <strong>of</strong> lymphocytes in<br />

the inflammatory process. Lymphocytes,<br />

macrophages, <strong>and</strong> platelets secrete TGFs.<br />

See also INFLAMMATION; INTERFERONS; INTER-<br />

LEUKINS; LYMPHOCYTE; MACROPHAGE; PLATELET; TUMOR<br />

NECROSIS FACTORS (TNFS).<br />

tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) CYTOKINES that<br />

kill tumor cells <strong>and</strong> participate in the inflammatory<br />

response. Leukocytes (white BLOOD cells) produce<br />

TNFs under stimulation from INTERLEUKINS.<br />

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), also<br />

called cachexin or cachectin, is the most active in<br />

these processes. Recombinant TNF-alpha is a<br />

treatment option for certain types <strong>of</strong> cancer. The<br />

spice turmeric (active ingredient curcumin) <strong>and</strong><br />

the catechins in GREEN TEA also boost TNF-alpha.<br />

Overactive TNF production contributes to inflammatory<br />

AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS such as RHEUMATOID<br />

ARTHRITIS <strong>and</strong> INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD).<br />

Doctors sometimes use therapeutic MONOCLONAL<br />

ANTIBODIES (MABS), such as infliximab <strong>and</strong> etanercept,<br />

to block TNF-alpha.<br />

See also INFLAMMATION; LEUKOCYTE; RECOMBINANT<br />

DNA.

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