Interferon by Ray Sahelian, M.D. ( natural health care info )
Interferons play crucial roles in the regulation of a wide variety of innate and adaptive immune responses. Type I interferons (IFN-alpha / beta) are central to the host defense against pathogens such as viruses, whereas type II interferon (IFN-gamma) mainly contributes to the T-cell-mediated regulation of the immune responses. Interferon alpha plays a critical role in the cause and perpetuation of specific autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes.
Interferon and Rheumatoid
Arthritis
Studies of bone destruction associated with rheumatoid arthritis have
highlighted the importance of the interaction between the immune and skeletal
systems. Recently, a new research area, termed osteoimmunology, has been spawned
by a series of studies focusing on the signaling networks between interferon and
other cytokines in bone metabolisms.
Alpha
interferon
Alpha interferon is a form of interferon that is produced endogenously and commercially for its
pharmacological effects (including regulation of the immune system and antiviral
and antineoplastic effects)
Interferon treatment for Hepatitis C - Interferon therapy
Currently, treatment of hepatitis consists of taking two medications: injections of
interferon and pills called ribavirin. This is called combination therapy. A
usual interferon treatment schedule involves injecting interferon one to three times a
week, and taking the ribavirin pills two times per day.
Peg-Intron Interferon Treatment
Peg-Intron
is an interferon treatment indicated for use alone or in combination with
Rebetrol (Ribavirin, USP) Capsules for the treatment of chronic hepatitis
C virus in patients at least 18 years of age with compensated liver
disease who have no previous treatment with interferon alpha.
Pegylated interferon treatment
Hepatitis C virus is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United
States. The advent of new treatment regimens using pegylated interferons in
combination with ribavirin has led to improved sustained viral response rates
for some genotypes in large multicenter trials.
Gamma interferon
Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the principal Th1 effector
cytokine, has shown to
be crucial for the resolution of allergic-related immunopathologies. In fact,
reduced production of this cytokine has been correlated with severe asthma.
Interferon melanoma
The commonest immune therapy for melanoma is interferon. Interferon
treatment has been tested in melanoma for some years but it is still an
experimental treatment. There is still no good consensus on the best interferon dose to use and scientists are still trying to find out why
interferon treatment helps some people but is of no use to others, and how to
limit interferon side effects.
Interferon Side Effects
Alpha interferon causes frequent and multiple cutaneous side effects that
affect both the skin and mucous membranes. Patients receiving this treatment
must be informed of the principal adverse reactions (dryness and
hair loss or
discoloration) and must receive care for them if the underlying treatment is to
remain acceptable. Alpha interferon may induce, reveal, or worsen some dermatoses and related inflammatory disorders (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis,
sarcoidosis).
Interferon Increased with
Probiotics
Production of the natural virus-fighter, interferon, is decreased in
fatigued athletes, but it can be restored to normal levels with a "probiotic"
pill containing the beneficial microbe Lactobacillus acidophilus. The drop in
interferon levels may play a role in the defective immune response against
Epstein Barr virus (EBV), previously described in fatigued athletes. Most people
have been infected with EBV; it can cause a number of diseases, including
mononucleosis, and it has been implicated in chronic fatigue syndrome. However,
the virus is usually kept in check by interferon. Researchers tested for EBV in
24 saliva samples taken from eight fatigued athletes before and after receiving
a 1-month course of the probiotic capsules. In addition, interferon levels were
measured in blood samples. Prior to treatment, five of the subjects had EBV in
their saliva -- that is, they were shedding the virus because it was not being
reigned in; after probiotic treatment, just one showed signs of virus shedding.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, April 2006.
Interferon Treatment