Cytokines are small secreted proteins which mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Cytokines can cause inflammation associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases.
The Immunobiology of Systemic Sclerosis. The SSc hallmarks of vascular damage, immunologic activation, and collagen deposition can be traced to 4 major factors: T-cells, fibroblasts, B-cells, and cytokines/chemokines. Significant variations in laboratory data among patients suggest that the pathology reflects a heterogeneous disease. (Science Direct) Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 02/13/08. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma, B and T cells, and Fibroblasts)
Elevation of Serum Lymphotactin Levels in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Elevated serum lymphotactin levels correlate with relatively milder manifestations in diffuse SSc (dSSc), especially lower severity of lung involvement, suggesting that lymphotactin may play a role in the development of dSSc. Journal of Rheumatology. March 1, 2008.
Two Genes Are Important Key to Regulating Immune Response. The discovery fills in an important "missing link" in a biochemical pathway that's long been tied to disorders ranging from lupus and Type 1 diabetes, to cancer and AIDS. Weill Cornell Medical College. 12/28/07. (Also see: Autoimmunity)
Cytokine Levels In Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (Balf) In Patients With Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). In comparison to other diseases, SSc patients present a specific cytokine pattern in BALF. The detection of high MCP-1 levels in patients with fibrosis and in patients with decreased DLCO after one year of treatment suggests a key function of this cytokine as potential therapeutic target in SSc lung involvement. G. Riemekasten THU0318 EULAR 2007. (Also see: Pulmonary Involvement)
Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Scleroderma. Studies have shown that an increase in proinflammatory chemokines has been associated with initiation or development of skin fibrosis/sclerosis, suggesting that chemokines and their receptors may be important mediators of inflammation and fibrosis in scleroderma. PubMed. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2006 Jun 27;140(4):345-356. (Also see: Skin Fibrosis)
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