The Role of TNFα and Efficacy of Protease Inhibitor in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Morbidity

Abstract

Recently, it has been reported that cytokines are related to the morbid state of inflammatory bowel disease, and one of them, TNFα rises to a high level in the active stage. Our institution first discovered that protease inhibitors have inhibitory effects against TNFα products. We examined 83 cases of this disease to elucidate future application. Camostat mesilate, a protease inhibitor with inhibitory effects against TNFα products was added to a floating culture of monocyte from the patient, and it effectiveness was ascertained. After that, a clinical study on camostat mesilate showed significant improvement in 92.3% out of 13 cases of Crohn's disease and 81.2% out of 16 cases of ulcerative colitis. Treatment employing protease inhibitors has not yet been reported. Also, there is a good possibility that camostat mesilate will allow a reduction in steroid hormone treatment, and thus decrease the unfavorable side effect of the latter. It appears remarkably effective to cure inflammatory bowel disease.