IL1B and interstitial nephritis: Immune dysfunction in patients with MKD is thought to be induced by increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNFα) and mitochondrial dysfunction.[32, 33] Chronic pancreatitis, considered a common cause of EPI in cats, is often associated with other inflammatory conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, cholangitis, and interstitial nephritis [34].