Cytokines in endocrinology: their roles in health and in disease

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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cytokines are soluble polypeptides released from cells of the immune system. Their production in endocrine glands and their actions on hormone-responsive cells is currently a subject of intense research interest. There is strong evidence for the involvement of cytokines in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes and thyroid disease. In addition they may regulate the growth and differentiated function of cells as they are known to do in the reticuloendothelial system. Cytokines may thus contribute to the development of functional endocrine disturbances and neoplasms. They are also involved in bone modelling processes and their action may be disturbed in disorders of bone. Greater understanding of the effects of cytokines will give insight into normal regulatory processes in endocrine tissues and may lead to therapeutic advances. The aim of this article is to review these actions and to speculate as to their physiological and pathophysiological significance as well as

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