Causes
The cause of sarcoidosis remains an enigma. Research has linked this condition to environmental irritants and genetic predisposition
Research has linked sarcoidosis to environmental irritants such as pollen, insecticides and moldy environment. This along with a genetic predisposition helps to bring about the disease.
The lungs and the thoracic lymph nodes, which are located in the chest, are the most emphatic targets. Therefore researchers opine that sarcoidosis may result from something that gains entry into the body through the lungs such as a virus or bacteria, or an unknown environmental toxin.
There are indications that sarcoidosis could be linked to the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The DNA of this tuberculosis -causing bacterium has been found to be present in the infected tissues of sarcoidosis patients. The two diseases may occur concurrently, which raises the doubt about the same agent causing both the diseases. But this could also be due to a compromised immune system, in the sarcoidosis patients, reacting unusually to a pathogen or a toxin.
Some studies have indicated, although not conclusively, that viral genes, such as those of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), could play a role in the disease process.
Familial sarcoidosis can also occur giving rise to the thought that some people could be genetically predisposed to the disease. An environmental trigger could kick start the disease in such patients.
Immunological studies on sarcoidosis patients have revealed that T-cell function is depressed. Nevertheless, they exhibit elevated activity in the diseased tissues, such as in the lungs. In stark contrast, the humoral immune response, shown by the number of antibodies, is sharply elevated in sarcoidosis patients.
Sarcoidosis also mimics Berryliosis, which is a condition that is caused by inhaling the metal berrylium. Hence there is scientific speculation regarding the role of the metal in causing the disease!
Certain geographical areas are more prone to the occurrence of sarcoidosis. This could mean that an endemic factor is involved in causing the disease.
