| Inflammatory and immune processes are mediated by a diverse range of molecules. Among these are pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins - IL), triggered by tumour necrosis factor (TNF). The cytokines cause the generation of fever as a protective action, and also result in production of acute-phase protein, reactive oxygen species etc. However, if produced inappropriately, they may also be associated with damaging pathology in a wide range of disorders. A number of agents can down-regulate cytokine effects, including nutrients. Cytokine modulation by nutrients such as n-3 fatty acids is the topic of this article |