Sarcoidosis-associated Pulmonary Hypertension
SARCOIDOSISThis prospective study was conducted to explore clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis and PH. The investigators also assessed the role of D -dimer levels in these population.
The Occurence of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Lung Diseases
Interstitial Lung DiseasesSarcoidosis2 moreReactive oxygen species (ROS) are suggested to play a pivotal role in ILD. Little is known, however, about the endogenous antioxidant levels in ILD that can offer protection against ROS. It is expected that the high amount of ROS present in ILD will reduce the antioxidant levels. Therefore, antioxidant therapy to strengthen this reduced antioxidant defense might be efficacious in ILD treatment. Since ROS are capable of initiating and mediating inflammation, antioxidant therapy might also mitigate elevated inflammation. A candidate for antioxidant therapy is the flavonoid quercetin that is known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacities. The aim of the present study is to determine the antioxidant and inflammatory status in ILD, i.e. sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Furthermore, to evaluate the possible anti-inflammatory effects of antioxidants, the effect of quercetin will be examined on the ex vivo LPS-induced cytokine production in ILD
Salivary Proteins in Disease and Health
Diabetes MellitusSarcoidosis4 moreThis study will examine saliva samples from healthy volunteers and patients with various diseases to learn more about how disease affects the mouth and salivary glands. It will use a method called salivary proteomics to identify multiple proteins in saliva and discover if there are protein patterns unique to specific diseases. The study will: Characterize the salivary proteome in patients with Sjogren's syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, diabetes, sarcoidosis, cystinosis, dental caries, and immunodeficiencies and in patients who have had head and neck radiation Evaluate the possible use of salivary proteomics for early diagnosis Evaluate the potential use of salivary proteomics for prognosis and treatment Patients participating in NIH clinical studies who have Sjogren's syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, diabetes, sarcoidosis, cystinosis, dental caries, or an immunodeficiency, or patients undergoing head and neck radiation may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical and dental history, head and neck examination, and photographs of any mouth sores or disease. Healthy volunteers also have blood drawn for routine laboratory testing. Participants have saliva collected from the floor of the mouth, the parotid salivary glands in the cheek, and the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands under the tongue. Patients with certain diseases also provide a urine sample. Saliva samples are collected as follows: One time from healthy volunteers and patients with Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, sarcoidosis, cystinosis and immunodeficiencies Five times from patients undergoing stem cell transplant: at baseline before transplant and about 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after transplant. Three times from patients undergoing head and neck radiation: at baseline before radiation and at 3 and 6 months after the conclusion of radiation.
Hair Cortisol and Testosterone Levels in Patients With Sarcoidosis
SarcoidosisThe investigators studied whether scalp hair cortisol and testosterone levels differed between sarcoidosis patients both with and without fatigue and healthy controls.
A Trial to Compare Two Methods of Obtaining Tissue for Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis Namely the Conventional...
SarcoidosisThis trial compares the yield of cTBNA (conventional Transbronchial Needle Aspiration) versus the EBUS-TBNA (Endobronchial Ultrasound guided TBNA) for obtaining cytology when they are combined with endobronchial biopsy and transbronchial lung biopsy and rapid onsite examination (ROSE) of the obtained smears in the diagnosis of suspected sarcoidosis patients visiting our hospital for evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy.
Role of Helicobacter Pylori and Its Toxins in Lung and Digestive System Diseases
Pulmonary DiseaseOropharyngeal Disease4 moreThis study will examine bacteria and toxins in the mouth, lung and digestive system that may be the cause of various diseases or symptoms. H. pylori is a bacterium that produces various toxins that may contribute to lung problems. This study will examine specimens collected from the mouth, teeth, lung, digestive tract and blood to measure H. pylori and its toxins and their effects on cells. People 18 years of age and older with or without gastrointestinal disease may be eligible for this study. These include people without a history of lung disease as well as patients with any of the following: lymphangioleiomyomatosis, asthma, sarcoidosis, other chronic or genetic lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis or eosinophilic granuloma). Participants may undergo the following tests: Blood and urine tests, chest x-ray. Measurement of arterial blood gases: A small needle is placed in an artery in the forearm to collect arterial blood. Lung function tests: Subjects breathe deeply and occasionally hold their breath. They may also receive a medication that expands the airways. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy with lavage and bronchial brushing: The subject's mouth and throat are numbed with lidocaine; a sedative may be given for comfort. A thin flexible tube called a bronchoscope is advanced through the nose or mouth into the lung airways to examine the airways. Saline (salt water) is then injected through the bronchoscope into the air passage and then removed by gentle suction. Next, a small brush is passed through the bronchoscope and an area of the airway is brushed to collect some cells for examination. Mouth rinsing or teeth brushing to collect cells. Endoscopy: A small needle and catheter (thin plastic tube) are placed into an arm vein to administer fluids and medications through the vein. A sedative may be given. The throat is numbed with lidocaine and a thin flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the esophagus into the stomach and upper part of the small intestine to examine those areas.
Study of Eye Tissue for Sarcoidosis
SarcoidosisThe purpose of this study is to develop a relatively simple, accurate method of diagnosing sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a disease in which granulomas (nodules of inflamed tissue) develop in various organs, such as the lungs, liver, skin and eyes. Disease symptoms vary depending on the tissues involved. Many patients develop uveitis (eye inflammation). Tissue biopsy-often a costly and difficult invasive procedure-is currently the only definitive diagnostic test for sarcoidosis. Other tests, such as blood and urine tests, do not provide definitive results. Patients with uveitis that is 1) known to be due to sarcoidosis; 2) suspected to be due to sarcoidosis based on specific diagnostic criteria; and 3) known not to be due to sarcoidosis may be enrolled in this study. Participants will undergo an eye examination, blood tests, chest X-ray, and skin test for tuberculosis and other infections. Small tissue samples from the conjunctiva (the thin lining covering the outside of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and the lacrimal (tear) gland will be taken after the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops and injection. Investigators will examine and compare levels of certain proteins in the biopsied tissues from the three patient groups to see if elevated levels of these substances may indicate granuloma formation. Development of a new, relatively simple diagnostic test for sarcoidosis based on these findings may permit doctors to start appropriate therapy earlier in the course of disease without invasive biopsy.
EBUS-TBNA Versus EBUS-TBNB
Mediastinal LymphadenopathyHilar Lymphadenopathy4 moreA prospective diagnostic clinical study randomising patients undergoing endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) of enlarged mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes to have sampling using the usual EBUS-TBNA needle or a novel biopsy forceps (EBUS-TBNB). The study aims to establish whether the use of EBUS-TBNB can significantly increase the diagnostic yield over EBUS-TBNA, without an increase in complication rates.
Stromal Gene Expression During Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosisto determine the genetic pathways operating at the tissue level to cause granulomatous inflammation in the lungs and lymph nodes of patients with sarcoidosis. By so doing, we hope to identify unique genetic mechanisms which will aid in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and will help us understand the pathogenesis of this poorly understood disease.
Study of Biologic Materials From the Mediastinal Lymph Nodes From Patients With Lung Disease.
Lung DiseaseInflammation2 moreThe purpose of this protocol is to obtain biologic materials from the mediastinal lymph nodes from patients with lung disease and mediastinal lymph node involvement in order to: (1) develop a better understanding of the cause and development of lung disorders involving the mediastinal lymph nodes; (2) identify biologic parameters that help diagnose and predict the behavior of human lung diseases; and (3) identify individuals who will be suitable candidates for other protocols such as those involving investigational new drugs.