Monocytes may be a major player in sarcoidosis pathogenesis, a study shows

It is not known what caused sarcoidosis inflammatory lung disease. In a new study, researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have investigated whether a type of immune cell called a monocyte could be a major player in sarcoidosis pathogenesis and explain why some patients ‘developing a disease harder and worse than others. The study, which is published in The European Journal of Breath, opening up new opportunities for future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Sarcoidosis is an infectious disease that in 90 percent of cases affects the lungs, but can also attack the heart, skin and lymph system. The cause of the disease has not yet been established, and there is currently no cure. Common symptoms of acute sarcoidosis are high fever, purple patches on the lower legs, swollen ankles and muscular / arthritic pain.

While about 30 percent of patients recover after a year or two, others may suffer extensive lung damage that requires lung transplantation in exceptional cases. Approximately 16,000 people live with the disease in Sweden, with 1,200 new outbreaks each year, making Sweden the most affected on the world. Most patients are between 30 and 60 years old.

In a new study, researchers at Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital and Umeå University have shown how some white blood cells called monocytes may be crucial signals in understanding the inflammatory process of sarcoidosis. Although monocytes are part of the immune system, they can, in certain conditions, contribute to the inflammatory process in body tension. Knowledge of the role of monocytes in sarcoidosis to date has been limited.

The researchers also found that the higher level of monocytes in people diagnosed with the disease makes it possible to assess the risk of a more advanced disease process. The results will open up new opportunities to identify biomarkers for sarcoidosis and for more personalized care.

If we identify at an earlier stage that there is a risk of adverse effects of the disease, we can hopefully lead to prophylactic and more effective treatment. Finally, our research could mean fewer cases of chronic sarcoidosis. “

Anna Smed Sörensen, Last Author Study, Docent, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute

The results are based on 108 individuals with sarcoidosis and 30 healthy controls followed over two years.