OBJECTIVES: Various inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), have been reported to play roles in Kawasaki disease (KD). Recently, anti-TNF-α therapy was reported to show efficacy in patients who do not respond to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. However, there are many gaps in our understanding of the role that TNF-α plays in the development of KD arteritis as well as whether anti-TNF-α therapy causes any histological changes in the arteritis. Accordingly, the present histopathological study was carried out to elucidate the inhibitory effect of anti-TNF-α therapy on vasculitis as well as the role of TNF-α in the development of vasculitis in a murine model of KD vasculitis. METHODS: We used two anti-TNF-α drugs (etanercept and infliximab) to treat a Candida albicans-induced murine model of KD vasculitis. We investigated the histopathological changes in terms of the incidence of vasculitis, the scope of lesions and the degree of inflammation. RESULTS: Administration of etanercept to the mice reduced not only the incidence of vasculitis but also the scope of lesions and the degree of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Based on the histological findings, TNF-α is deeply involved in the development of vasculitis.
OBJECTIVES: Various inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), have been reported to play roles in Kawasaki disease (KD). Recently, anti-TNF-α therapy was reported to show efficacy in patients who do not respond to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. However, there are many gaps in our understanding of the role that TNF-α plays in the development of KD arteritis as well as whether anti-TNF-α therapy causes any histological changes in the arteritis. Accordingly, the present histopathological study was carried out to elucidate the inhibitory effect of anti-TNF-α therapy on vasculitis as well as the role of TNF-α in the development of vasculitis in a murine model of KD vasculitis. METHODS: We used two anti-TNF-α drugs (etanercept and infliximab) to treat a Candida albicans-induced murine model of KD vasculitis. We investigated the histopathological changes in terms of the incidence of vasculitis, the scope of lesions and the degree of inflammation. RESULTS: Administration of etanercept to the mice reduced not only the incidence of vasculitis but also the scope of lesions and the degree of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Based on the histological findings, TNF-α is deeply involved in the development of vasculitis.
Authors: M B Assas; S E Levison; M Little; H England; L Battrick; J Bagnall; J T McLaughlin; P Paszek; K J Else; J L Pennock Journal: Clin Exp Immunol Date: 2016-11-23 Impact factor: 4.330