Cause of drug-induced small bowel injury found
The research group of Associate Professor Toshio Watanabe of the Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Gastroenterology showed that small bowel injury induced by NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, often used in antipyretics and pain killers) is caused by TNF-α3, an inflammatory cytokine. The research was carried out through capsule endoscopy in rheumatic arthritis patients who took NSAIDs for a long term.
The research result was published in the International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology GUT (22 May 2013).
Article title:
Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents reduce nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small bowel injury in rheumatoid arthritis patients
http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2013/05/21/gutjnl-2013-304713