Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the extracellular matrix remodeling in granulomatous processes through the expression of myofibroblasts and collagen type I by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence

Abstract

Sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity chronic pneumonia, noninfectious granulomatous disease, as well as other infectious granulomatous diseases such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis are currently associated with high mortality and morbidity. This is related to the low efficiency of therapeutic options and pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities associated with pulmonary granuloma formation. The granulomatous reaction is associated with an intense inflammatory response with activation of fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mainly in the case of sarcoidosis, the pathogenic mechanisms, the susceptibility and the clinical course of these disease are little known. The search for a better understanding and possible solutions to the limitations of the treatment of sarcoidosis and other granulomatosis is critical for public health programs of the American continent, mainly to Brazil. Thus, the purpose of this project is to study the matrix and cellular immune responses in granuloma formation in infectious lung disease or not, focusing the sarcoidosis, in addiction to studying a possible viral involvement in its etiology.