Related Experiment Videos

[Behçet's disease: from hippocrates to TNF-alpha-blockers]

P J Zuber1, A P Bart, A Leimgruber

  • 1Service d'immunologie et d'allergie, Département de médecine, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. jean-philippe.zuber@chuv.ch

Revue Medicale Suisse
|June 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Behçet's disease is a rare systemic vasculitis causing mouth sores, eye inflammation, and skin lesions. Treatment advances include TNF-alpha-blockers for managing this complex condition.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Medicine

Context:

  • Behçet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory disorder affecting blood vessels.
  • Characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, eye inflammation, skin lesions, and potential organ involvement.
  • Etiology remains unknown, with a leading hypothesis involving an infectious trigger in genetically predisposed individuals.

Purpose:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of Behçet's disease.
  • To highlight diagnostic challenges due to the lack of specific tests.
  • To discuss current and evolving treatment strategies.

Summary:

  • Behçet's disease is a systemic vasculitis impacting small and large vessels, presenting with characteristic mucocutaneous lesions and potential systemic complications.
  • Diagnosis relies on clinical manifestations as no specific diagnostic markers are available.
  • Treatment is tailored to clinical involvement, with recent advancements including TNF-alpha-blockers offering significant therapeutic progress.

Impact:

  • Improved understanding of Behçet's disease pathogenesis and clinical spectrum.
  • Enhanced diagnostic criteria and clinical management strategies.
  • Advances in therapeutic options, particularly the role of biologics like TNF-alpha-blockers, improving patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...