TNF-alpha is an example of a cytokine that can have the latter kinds of effects. In many instances, individual cytokines have multiple biological activities. Different cytokines can also have the same activity, which provides for functional redundancy within the inflammatory and immune systems, i.e., it is infrequent that loss or neutralization of one cytokine will markedly interfere with either of these systems. This fact has great significance in the development of therapeutic strategies. Among the cytokine group are a large number of interleukins plus growth and colony-stimulating factors .
Abdominal wounds are the biggest problem.
It is treated by using artificial grafts, or large retention sutures to keep the edges of the wound apposed. It is rich in glycine and proline, like collagen , but differs in that it contains almost no hydroxylated amino acids. Its major feature is elastic recoil, therefore, it is found in pliable structures like artery walls and the uterus. Defects in elastic fibers result in the genetic disease, Marfan syndrome . This action induces proliferation of epithelial cells and promotes wound healing.