Cytokines are small body proteins that are important in signalling cells around them to maintain tissues in a healthy state.
Cytokines as regulators
Cytokines help to regulate the body's immune response to infection, and play a key role in regulating inflammation and trauma. There are two types of cytokines - pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulate inflammation, while anti-inflammatory cytokines inhibit inflammation and enhance healing. In orthopaedics cytokines are particularly important when considering joint cartilage.
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