Modulation of collagen gene expression: its relation to fibrosis in systemic sclerosis and other disorders

Article Abstract:

Transforming growth factor-beta appears to play a role in the abnormal formation of connective tissue found in systemic sclerosis. It seems likely that changes in the regulation of the formation of collagen, the protein in connective tissue fibers, cause the overproduction that is the hallmark of this disease. Transforming growth factor-beta is produced by white blood cells that mediate the inflammatory reaction. Overproduction of collagen is preceded by infiltration of white blood cells into the affected tissues. Tissue culture studies have found that transforming growth factor-beta stimulates collagen production in connective tissue cells. Even a brief exposure appears to permanently alter collagen production, which suggests that growth factor-beta works at the level of gene transcription. A therapy that would block or inhibit this factor could prove effective in treating systemic sclerosis and other diseases involving abnormal collagen production.

Physiological aspects, Genetic aspects, Systemic scleroderma, Scleroderma (Disease), Collagen, Transforming growth factors, Fibrosis

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The eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: status of 205 patients and results of treatment 2 years after onset

Article Abstract:

The condition of patients with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome have improved two years following the first outbreak in 1989. This syndrome has been attributed to the use of the drug L-tryptophan. Physicians across the country monitored patients with this syndrome at prescribed intervals over a two year period. This data is now stored in a national registry. Physicians itemized and evaluated the status of symptoms, medications employed, and any other test results. Over 60% of the patients reported that mild physical symptoms had improved or disappeared. However, 32% of patients with symptoms affecting their mental capabilities reported that these symptoms had worsened. Very few patients noted any new symptoms after first reporting their syndrome. Prednisone was the only consistently effective drug therapy the patients reported. Very few new cases of this syndrome have been reported since the first outbreak.

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Complications and side effects, Prednisone, Tryptophan, Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome

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