Fungal Exposure and Low Levels of IL-10 in Patients with Sarcoidosis

Abstract EN

Background and Objectives.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Previous studies have shown a relation between the degree of granuloma infiltration and serum cytokine levels, except for interleukin- (IL-) 10.

The aim of the study was to further investigate the serum levels of IL-10 in patients with sarcoidosis and relate them to fungal exposure in terms of the amount of fungi in the air of their homes and β-glucan in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.

Methods.

Patients with sarcoidosis ( n = 71 ) and healthy controls ( n = 27 ) were enrolled.

IL-10 was determined in serum.

BAL was performed and the amount of β-glucan was measured.

Domestic exposure to fungi was determined by measuring airborne β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) in the bedrooms.

Results.

At high levels of fungal exposure (domestic fungal exposure and β-glucan in BAL), serum IL-10 values were lower than at low and intermediate exposure levels.

Conclusion.

The low serum IL-10 values at high fungal exposure suggest that fungal cell wall agents play a role in granuloma formation in sarcoidosis by inhibiting the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.