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Intravenous Endotoxin Challenge in Healthy Humans: An Experimental Platform to Investigate and Modulate Systemic Inflammation
Published on: May 16, 2016
Exploring the pathogenesis of IIH: an inflammatory perspective
Alexandra J Sinclair1, Alexandra K Ball, Michael A Burdon
1Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Immunology, Infection and Inflammation, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. a.b.sinclair@bham.ac.uk
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a blinding condition in young obese women, may be linked to chronic inflammation and cortisol dysregulation. Further research into these factors could reveal the cause of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in IIH.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) affects young, obese females, causing vision loss due to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).
- The exact cause of IIH remains unknown.
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for IIH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the pathogenesis of IIH.
- To propose novel hypotheses regarding IIH development.
- To explore potential roles of chronic inflammation and cortisol dysregulation in IIH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating IIH pathogenesis.
- Exploration of the link between obesity, chronic inflammation, and IIH.
- Investigation of the role of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in IIH and obesity.
Main Results:
- Chronic inflammation is implicated in obesity pathogenesis and may play a role in IIH.
- Dysregulation of cortisol production via 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is associated with obesity.
- This dysregulation is hypothesized to contribute to raised ICP in IIH.
Conclusions:
- Chronic inflammation is a potential etiological factor in IIH.
- Cortisol production abnormalities may contribute to the pathogenesis of IIH and elevated ICP.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these hypotheses.
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