NEW COMPOSITION AND METHODS

摘要

Local administration of p65 antisense oligonucleotides is shown to be an effective way to downregulate the expression of cytokines in inflammatory conditions, e.g. in Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis. A single local administration of p65 antisense oligonucleotides is more effective than single or daily administration of glucocorticoids. Additionally local administration of p65 antisense oligonucleotides is devoid of the adverse effects associated with the systemic administration of p65 antisense oligonucleotides. Further the expression of the p65 subunit of the transcription factor NF- kappa B in macrophages is shown to be a useful measure in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, e.g. Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.