Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif
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Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif · Mar 1999
ReviewCells and cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.
Granulomatous inflammation develops under the regulatory influence of cytokines produced by local mononuclear phagocytes, T cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and other local cells. In sarcoidosis, granulomatous inflammation is characterized by dominant expression of T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines such as IFN gamma and interleukin (IL)-2 with low levels of expression of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines such as IL4 and IL5. Recent studies show that the cytokine IL12, the most important regulator of Th1 immune responses currently known, is upregulated at sites of inflammation in sarcoidosis. ⋯ Whether these same type 1 cytokines drive granulomatous inflammation in patients with extensive fibrocystic lung disease remains unknown. TGF beta, a known inhibitor of IL12 and IFN gamma production, is produced at higher levels by lung cells from those patients who undergo remission of their disease, suggesting that TGF gamma is important in downregulating granulomatous inflammation in sarcoidosis. These studies offer new insight into the molecular mechanisms of granuloma formation in sarcoidosis and provide a framework for developing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this disease.
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Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif · Mar 1999
Case ReportsFacial palsy in a patient with leptospirosis: causal or accidental.
Facial palsy, one of the most common neurological syndromes, has many causes. This is the first report of a patient with leptospirosis who developed facial palsy. The lesion responded to treatment with doxycycline hyclate.