Risk For Sarcoidosis May Be Increased By Mold Exposure At Home

Date: Oct-24-2012People who are exposed to mold in their homes could be at an increased risk for sarcoidosis, a chronic inflammatory lung disease.

Researchers from Sweden and Slovenia tested 62 nonsmoking patients with sarcoidosis, 34 of whom had extrapulmonary manifestations (EPM). Patients were tested for β-glucan, an immune-modulating agent found in fungi, and accompanying inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-12. Serum samples were also obtained from 18 control subjects with no pulmonary disease or respiratory symptoms.

Results showed that levels of IL-6 and IL-12 were higher among subjects with sarcoidosis as compared with controls, and IL-12 was significantly higher among subjects with EPM. There also was a significant relation between β-glucan and mold/fungi levels in the home.

Researchers conclude that the results further support the hypothesis that exposure to fungi is important for the risk of sarcoidosis.
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