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The Analysis of Tryptase in Serum of Sarcoidosis Patients

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Abstract

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 μg/l) than controls (2.96 ± 1.75μg/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.

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Abbreviations

CVD:

Collagen vascular diseases

DLCO:

Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide

FEV1 :

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s

FVC:

Forced vital capacity

ILD:

Interstitial lung diseases

MC:

Mast cells

UIP:

Usual interstitial pneumonia

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Respiratory Diseases Section, Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Sciences, Siena University, Siena, Italy

    Elena Bargagli, Angela Mazzi, Fabrizio Mezzasalma, Anna Perrone, Carmela Olivieri, Maria G Pieroni & Paola Rottoli

  2. Department of Pneumology, Medical Center, Freiburg University, Freiburg, Germany

    Antje Prasse

  3. Department of Environmental Biology, Siena University, Siena, Italy

    Nicola Bianchi

  4. Sezione di Malattie Respiratorie Universitarie, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 53100, Siena, Italy

    Elena Bargagli

Authors
  1. Elena Bargagli
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  2. Angela Mazzi
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  3. Fabrizio Mezzasalma
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  4. Anna Perrone
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  8. Maria G Pieroni
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  9. Paola Rottoli
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Correspondence to Elena Bargagli.

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The authors have no conflict of interest related to this study.

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Bargagli, E., Mazzi, A., Mezzasalma, F. et al. The Analysis of Tryptase in Serum of Sarcoidosis Patients. Inflammation 32, 310–314 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-009-9137-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-009-9137-z

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