Infliximab does not interfere with insulin secretion, insulin resistance and production of GAD and islet cell antibodies in patients with Crohn's disease

Cytokines, such as interleukin 1β, interferon γ and tumour necrosis factor α, are effector molecules involved in β-cell dysfunction and damage in type 1 diabetes. Infliximab has been proposed for use in the care of diseases involving disturbances of the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Infliximab is a specific antibody able to significantly reduce the biological activity of TNF-α and γ-IFN, and possibly endow with a protective action against immuno-mediated type 1 diabetes. Preliminary data confirm that its administration in a series of patients affected with Crohn's disease does not interfere with insulin secretion, insulin resistance and production of GAD and islet cell antibodies.