Archive for the ‘TNF’ tag
Is M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) the cause of multiple “autoimmune” and “inflammatory” diseases in man? Inferences from the anti-MAP activity of methotrexate, 6-MP, 5-ASA and thalidomide, on MAP in culture.
Another piece of research which establishes the anti-paratuberculosis antibiotic activity of molecules which are currently thought to have an immuno-suppressant effect in Crohn’s Disease.
Crohn’s Disease, Leprosy and Thalidomide
Leprosy is caused a member of genus Mycobacteria, M. leprae, and some forms of leprosy are treated by “tamping down the immune system” with anti-TNF agents, such as thalidomide. Steroids are also used for the treatment of leprosy[1].
FDA approves Thalidomide for Hansen’s disease side effect, imposes unprecedented restrictions on distribution.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS00887.html
Redeeming thalidomide
http://pubs.acs.org/hotartcl/mdd/00/jun/mddkling.html
News: Drug May Save Sight in Behcet’s Disease Patients
Behcet’s disease is a disease that can be confused with Crohn’s Disease, since it exhibits a spectrum of symptoms which overlaps with the spectrum of symptoms displayed in CD.
Check the references below.
The bit I find most interesting is the reliance on human opinion and experience to differentiate between the diseases. The reason for this is because we’re dealing with diseases that are classified by the damage that results from having them, not by what causes them.