[The role of free radicals in pathogenesis of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus]

Abstract

The role of free radicals as well as cytokines (IL-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma) and nitric oxide in the immune-mediated processes leading to the beta-cell destruction during IDDM is described. It is also pointed that the excess of IL-1ra in relation to IL-1 prevents IL-1 toxicity to beta-cells.