The role of TNFα in ulcerative colitis

Standard of care for ulcerative colitis involves long-term pharmacotherapy or colectomy. Approximately 20% to 30% of patients eventually require a colectomy because patients either do not respond or cannot tolerate the currently available pharmacotherapies. Advances in our knowledge of the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis have highlighted the importance of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in the inflammatory process. TNFa is a proinflammatory mediator that plays an integral role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, mounting evidence indicates a genetic association between TNFa and ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, increased TNFa levels have been demonstrated in studies of patients with ulcerative colitis. TNFa is likely an important component in the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis, and thus agents targeting TNFa in ulcerative colitis have been studied. Recent randomized controlled trials have confirmed that biologic anti-TNF alpha therapy is effective in ulcerative colitis. Soluble TNFa receptors or biologic agents that suppress or inhibit TNFa production may also show therapeutic promise.