The analysis of tryptase in serum of sarcoidosis patients.
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology characterized by activation of macrophages and T lymphocytes. Relatively little is known about the role of mast cells and their mediators in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. Tryptase is an enzyme produced by activated mast cells, regarded as a marker of mast cell activation. To analyse tryptase concentrations in serum of sarcoidosis patients in an attempt to define the role of tryptase and mast cells in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and to evaluate the potential of tryptase as marker of disease severity. Quantitative analysis of tryptase concentrations was performed in serum of patients with stable sarcoidosis (n = 12), progressive sarcoidosis (n = 23) and controls (n = 13). Patients enrolled in the study had been monitored at Siena Regional Referral Centre for Sarcoidosis from onset for at least 12 months. Significantly higher concentrations of tryptase were found in peripheral blood of sarcoidosis patients (6.08 +/- 3.98 microg/l) than controls (2.96 +/- 1.75microg/l; p = 0.012). Patients with progressive disease showed the highest tryptase concentrations in serum. Tryptase and mast cells may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis and further studies are required to understand if tryptase may represent a marker of sarcoidosis severity.
Bargagli
Elena
E
Respiratory Diseases Section, Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Sciences, Siena University, Siena, Italy. bargagli2@gmail.com
Mazzi
Angela
A
Mezzasalma
Fabrizio
F
Perrone
Anna
A
Olivieri
Carmela
C
Prasse
Antje
A
Bianchi
Nicola
N
Pieroni
Maria G
MG
Rottoli
Paola
P
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000166:cytology; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008218:Lymphocytosis; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity / Q000502:physiology; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D053802:Tryptases / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D014797:Vital Capacity
D015415:Biomarkers; D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D053802:Tryptases