Spontaneous and lipopolysacharide induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α in interstitial lung diseases

Background and objectives: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was found to play role in pathogenesis of sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). TNF-α is produced primarily by activated macrophages, but T-cells also may be a source of this cytokine. Lipopolysacharide (LPS) induced TNF-α production was found to differ among interstitial lung diseases and healthy control. The aim of our study was to find out, if sources of TNF-α differ in sarcoidosis, IPF and HP patients. Moreover, differences between LPS induced production of TNF-α were studied. Methods: Bronchoalveolar…