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