Pathophysiology of Behçet's Disease
October 2011
in “
Pathology Research International
”
TLDR Behçet's Disease may be caused by genetic and environmental factors leading to abnormal immune responses, and stress management and new treatments could improve patient outcomes.
The 2012 document reviews the complex pathophysiology of Behçet's Disease (BD), a chronic inflammatory condition with symptoms like oral-genital ulcers and uveitis. It suggests that BD may be caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, leading to abnormal immune responses, including increased neutrophil functions and T lymphocyte abnormalities. The review also discusses the role of various factors in BD's pathogenesis, such as cytokines, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and hormonal influences. It notes that psychological stress and quality of life are significant in BD, and psychological interventions could be beneficial. Emerging pharmacological treatments targeting mast-cell activation are mentioned, and the potential of nonenzymatic antioxidants and trace elements in treating BD is highlighted. The document concludes that understanding the neuroimmunology of stress responses through the skin could provide insights into BD treatment.
