• L L Moldawer.
• Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
• Crit. Care Med. 1994 Jul 1; 22 (7): S3-7.

ObjectivesTo review the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the proinflammatory cascade, with particular emphasis on the association between increased concentrations of these cytokines and the sepsis-associated shock syndrome. Data that support the role of these cytokines as proinflammatory mediators provide a rationale for specific anticytokine therapies.Data SourcesInformation presented at the 22nd Educational and Scientific Symposium of the Society of Critical Care Medicine on June 9-13, 1993 in New York City was reviewed, along with supportive documentation from the English language literature.Study SelectionControlled animal studies that elucidate the relationship between TNF-alpha and IL-1, and endotoxin-induced shock were selected for review.Data ExtractionThis review focused on those data that described the roles of IL-1 and TNF-alpha in the induction of the inflammatory cascade.Data SynthesisInformation concerning the many aspects of attenuating the systemic inflammatory response was integrated into a description of emerging therapies for septic shock.ConclusionsInduction of inflammation during sepsis is a complex biological cascade that may be effectively attenuated by novel anticytokine biotherapies.

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