Cytokines and peptic ulcer disease

Aim: To assess the function of cytokines in peptic ulcer disease. Methods: Review of recent studies. Results: Studies on the function of cytokines in peptic ulcer disease are in their infancy. Recent evidence suggests that some cytokines (interleukin-1 and various growth factors) can be added to the current list of protective factors, which are involved in the formation of peptic ulcers; other cytokines (interleukin-4) can probably be added to the list of aggressive factors, while still others (tumour necrosis factor-α) appear to have no effect.