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Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Probing the Potential Common Pathogenic Mechanisms and Experimental Verification
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Localization of propionibacterium acnes in granulomas supports a possible etiologic link between sarcoidosis and the

Mariko Negi1, Tamiko Takemura, Josune Guzman

  • 1Department of Human Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, Tokyo, Japan.

Modern Pathology : an Official Journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc
|May 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Propionibacterium acnes, a common bacterium, was frequently detected in sarcoidosis lesions using novel antibodies. This suggests P. acnes may be a primary cause of granuloma formation in sarcoidosis patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, with infectious agents suspected.
  • Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) has been cultured from sarcoid lesions, but its role remains unclear.
  • Novel monoclonal antibodies targeting P. acnes lipoteichoic acid (PAB) and trigger factor (TIG) were developed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the pathogenic role of P. acnes in sarcoidosis.
  • To screen for P. acnes in sarcoid and non-sarcoid tissues using immunohistochemistry.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung and lymph node samples from sarcoidosis patients and controls.
  • PAB and TIG antibodies were used to detect P. acnes.
  • Electron microscopy was used to characterize Hamazaki-Wesenberg bodies.

Main Results:

  • P. acnes was detected in sarcoid granulomas in 74-89% of samples, with high specificity.
  • P. acnes was not found in non-sarcoid granulomas (tuberculosis, sarcoid reaction).
  • Hamazaki-Wesenberg bodies, found in sarcoid and non-sarcoid samples, reacted with both PAB and TIG antibodies and showed bacterial structure.

Conclusions:

  • The high frequency and specificity of P. acnes detection in sarcoid granulomas suggest it is a causative agent.
  • P. acnes may be responsible for granuloma formation in a significant number of sarcoidosis cases.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of P. acnes pathogenesis in sarcoidosis.

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