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The activity of tyrosine kinases is central to many cellular processes, and accumulating evidence suggests that their role in inflammation is no less profound. Three main tyrosine kinase families, the Src, Tec and Syk kinase families are intimately involved in TLR signalling, the critical first step in cellular recognition of invading pathogens and tissue damage. Their activity results in changes in gene expression in affected cells. Key amongst these genes are the cytokines, which orchestrate both the duration and extent of inflammation. Tyrosine kinases also play important roles in cytokine function, and are implicated in signalling through both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-6 and IL-10. Thus, strategies to modulate tyrosine kinase activity have significant therapeutic potential in combating the chronic inflammatory state that is typical of many major health issues that face us today, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here we review current knowledge of the role of tyrosine kinases in inflammation with particular emphasis on their role in TLR signalling.

The investigations comprised part of the workers employed in a factory of prefabricated concrete elements. The creatine kinase (CK) activity was determined before and after a day's work in the following groups of workers: I — exposed to noise and vibration exceeding the allowed norm, II —exposed to noise, performing the same hard physical work as group I and exposed to vibration not exceeding 79 dB in particular octave bands, III —practising physical work as group I and II but in environment free from noise and vibration, and a control group of persons (C) not exposed to any of the tested factors (vibration, noise, work). The obtained results indicate that the determination of the CK activity may serve as a test of exposure to vibration and noise.