Pathogenesis (disease development)
The etiology of sarcoidosis is unclear. A genetic predisposition is assumed.
Histologic workup of biopsies (tissue samples) reveals epithelioid cell granulomas with Langhans giant cells. These partly contain so-called Schaumann and asteroid bodies. However, these findings are not specific for sarcoidosis.
Etiology (Causes)
Biographic Causes
- Genetic burden from parents, grandparents
- Genetic risk depending on gene polymorphisms:
- Genes/SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism):
- Genes: ANXA11
- SNP: rs1049550 in gene ANXA11
- Allele constellation: CC (1.6-fold).
- Allele constellation: TT (0.62-fold)
- Frequent occurrence of HLA-DQB1.
- Gene mutation of BTNL2 (chromosome 6).
- Gene mutation CARD 15 gene (chromosome 16q12-q21) – predisposition to early onset sarcoidosis.
- Genes/SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism):
- Genetic risk depending on gene polymorphisms:
- Professions – Nurses are increasingly affected.
Medication
- Immunotherapies (e.g., for hepatitis C) can induce or exacerbate sarcoidosis
