The factor of tumor necrosis is called extracellular multifunctional protein, produced by immunocompetent cells (macrophages, eosinophils). By acting on other cells of the body, this protein causes the following effects:
- acceleration of lipid metabolism;
- change in the permeability of the walls of blood vessels;
- increased production of interleukins (1, 6, 8);
- protection from intracellular parasites;
- regulation of antibody production;
- antitumor effect.
Blood test for tumor necrosis factor
Since the tumor necrosis factor takes part in almost every immune reaction of the body, its concentration in the blood is determined by the intensity of the inflammatory processes. If the blood test shows that the tumor necrosis factor is elevated, then this can indicate such pathologies:
- severe infectious diseases (hepatitis C, herpes infection, endocarditis, etc.);
- sepsis ;
- severe shock condition;
- cardiac ischemia;
- psoriasis;
- oncological diseases;
- reaction rejection of transplanted organs;
- atherosclerosis of the arteries of the heart and brain;
- chronic bronchopulmonary pathologies;
- autoimmune diseases ;
- allergic diseases, etc.
The tumor necrosis factor in oncology
Determining the amount of tumor necrosis factor is important in assessing the course of cancer. With respect to tumor cells, this protein shows activity, which is expressed in hemorrhagic necrosis of malignant neoplastic cells without destroying healthy cells. Based on the tumor necrosis factor isolated in a special way from the donor blood, drugs with enhanced antitumor properties are produced, while having a minimal toxic effect on the body. For example, with the help of the drug Refnot treatment of breast cancer is carried out.