Enhanced mRNA expression of Th1 cytokines and IL-12 in active pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK:

Active sarcoidosis is considered to be a Th1 dominant condition. We examined whether Th1 cytokines are highly expressed at inflammed lesions of Japanese patients with sarcoidosis.

METHODS:

To investigate the mRNA expression of Th1 cytokines and IL-12 in sarcoid BAL cells, we used semiquantitative reverse transcription--polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS:

The mRNA expressions of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-2) in active sarcoid BAL cells were significantly elevated as compared with those in healthy volunteers. The proportion of positive IL-4 mRNA expression in sarcoid BAL cells was not significantly higher than that in healthy volunteers. Further, there was no significant difference in IFN-gamma mRNA levels between the groups positive and negative for IL-4 mRNA expression. Although the proportion of positive expression of IL-12 mRNA in active sarcoid BAL cells was not significantly higher than that in healthy volunteers, the group positive for IL-12 mRNA expression had significantly elevated levels of IFN-gamma mRNA than did the negative group.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results may indicate that IL-12 induces IFN-gamma expression and subsequent Th1 dominant condition in Japanese patients with sarcoidosis.

• Authors: K Shigehara, N Shijubo, M Ohmichi, S Kon, Y Shibuya, R Takahashi, S Morita-Ichimura, T Tatsuno, Y Hiraga, S Abe, N Sato
• Journal: Sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and diffuse lung diseases : official journal of WASOG (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis) Vol. 17 Issue 2 Pg. 151-7 (Jun 2000) ISSN: 1124-0490 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 10957763 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• RNA, Messenger
• Interleukin-12
• Interferon-gamma

Topics

• Adult
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage
• Cell Culture Techniques
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Humans
• Interferon-gamma (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Interleukin-12 (pharmacology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• RNA, Messenger (biosynthesis)
• Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary (genetics, immunology)
• T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer (immunology)