Cytokine and Protein Markers of Leprosy Reactions in Skin and Nerves: Baseline Results for the North Indian INFIR Cohort

Leprosy affects skin and peripheral nerves. Although we have effective antibiotics to treat the mycobacterial infection, a key part of the disease process is the accompanying inflammation. This can worsen after starting antibacterial treatment with episodes of immune mediated inflammation, so called ‘reactions’. These reactions are associated with worsening of the nerve damage. We recruited a cohort of 303 newly diagnosed leprosy patients in North India with the aim of understanding and defining the pathological processes better. We took skin and nerve biopsies from patients and examined them to define which molecules and mediators of inflammation were present. We found high levels of the cytokines Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha, Transforming Growth Factor beta and inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in biopsies from patients with reactions. We also found high levels of bacteria and inflammation in the nerves. These experiments tell us that we need to determine which other molecules are present and to explore ways of switching off the production of these pro-inflammatory molecules

Fall 2008 Field trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (ARCH 6271-003)

Sketching Calatrava.Electronic images -- Digital image

Fall 2008 Field trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (ARCH 6271-003)

Travel group in front of LeCorbusiers and Pierre Jeaneret's duplex house, Weissenhofsiedlung in Stuttgart.Electronic images -- Digital image

Fall 2008 Field trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (ARCH 6271-003)

Travel Presentation at the College of Architecture +Planning.Electronic images -- Digital image

Fall 2008 Field trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (ARCH 6271-003)

Dinner in Vals.Electronic images -- Digital image

Fall 2008 Field trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (ARCH 6271-003)

BMW world, Munich.Electronic images -- Digital image

Fall 2008 Field trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (ARCH 6271-003)

At Guenther Behnisch's and Frei Otto's 1972 Olympic Stadium, Munich, Germany.Electronic images -- Digital image

Fall 2008 Field trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (ARCH 6271-003)

Interior ceiling light fixture in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, UN Studio, HG Merz, Stuttgart.Electronic images -- Digital image