Int'l League of Rheumatology | Arthritis Information

"Abstract A 47-year-old female was diagnosed to have pulmonary, ocular, and nodular-type muscular sarcoidosis. Seven years later, nodules developed in all limb muscles. She received minocycline 200 mg daily, which resulted in an obvious reduction of the muscular sarcoidosis with a significant decrease in the serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level. Nine months later, the minocycline was discontinued, thus resulting in a rapid recurrence of the disease. The immediate readministration of minocycline again resulted in a prompt improvement. We detected Propionibacterium acnes within the granulomas in the affected muscle by an immunohistochemistry. More interestingly, we found a decrease in the circulating levels of interleukin-12 p40 and interferon-inducible protein-10 during the minocycline therapy. The minocycline therapy may be effective for sarcoidosis and the fact that the disease rapidly relapsed after discontinuation of the minocycline administration suggests that the mechanism of action in this case may be immunomodulating but not antimicrobial effect.

Keywords Chemokine - Minocycline - Propionibacterium acnes - Sarcoidosis - Treatment

There is no personal or financial support or author involvement with any organization with a financial interest in the subject matter regarding any actual or potential conflict of interest or disclosures."

" More interestingly, we found a decrease in the circulating levels of interleukin-12 p40 and interferon-inducible protein-10 during the minocycline therapy. "[/QUOTE]

Also, isn't this something they are targeting with some of the new RA meds being developed? I know I've seen 'interleukin' in articles, but maybe there are different ones?

Abstract:
Although a number of clinical trials have shown minocycline to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, its use is limited and may become more limited with the recent introduction of new agents. The clinical studies providing the evidence for the efficacy of minocycline are reviewed. Laboratory investigations that support a possible anti-arthritic action of tetracyclines through their effect on nitric oxide generation, matrix metalloprotease inhibition, and chondrocyte apoptosis are discussed. A personal perspective is that minocycline may fit into the current therapeutic repertoire as an additional drug for patients who are not adequately responding to other disease-modifying agents.