Inhibition of NF-kappaB activation in macrophages increases atherosclerosis in LDL receptor–deficient mice
Here is yet another example of how complex the human body is and how screwing with physiology can lead to unexpected consequences. NF-kappaB is an upstream control substance that turns on many other aspects of the immune system, including TNF-alpha.
This study finds that inhibition of NF-kappaB, thus suppressing the immune response, leads to INCREASED atherosclerosis in mice. If this is the case, what might the long term side effects of TNF alpha suppression in rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s be doing to a patient’s blood vessels??
JCI — Abstracts: Kanters et al. 112 (8): 1176.