A Review of Cold-Induced Urticaria Disorders

	Faculty
		Hal M. Hoffman, MD Associate Professor Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology University of California, San Diego Dr. Hoffman’s research concerns the autoinflammatory disorders -- a group of inflammatory diseases associated with unregulated inflammation in the absence of infection or autoimmunity. His work has focused on the study of one of these diseases, Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, an inherited condition characterized by recurrent episodes of rash, fever, and joint pain following exposure to cold. Using positional cloning, Dr. Hoffman's lab identified the CIAS1 gene that is responsible for this disease and codes for the protein cryopyrin. Cryopyrin is a member of a family of innate immune system proteins that are involved in the regulation of inflammation and apoptosis. Cryopyrin is involved in the activation of caspase 1 and NF-kB, which lead to the release of inflammatory cytokines, but it is still unclear how cryopyrin affects apoptosis. These studies have also led to the discovery of novel treatments for autoinflammatory disorders that has implications for more common inflammatory diseases. This research is relevant to cancer research because of the importance of inflammation and apoptosis to the development of cancer. Dr. Hoffman also has developed expertise in human genetics, and collaborates with other Cancer Center researchers, including Drs. Richard Kolodner, Webster Caveneee, and Karen Arden.
	Medical Writer
		Anna Kinzler, PhD
	Disclosure Policy It is the policy of ArcMesa Educators to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its educational activities. All faculty/authors are expected to disclose any relevant financial relationships they may have with commercial interests in relation to this activity. These relationships, along with the educational content of this program, have been reviewed and any potential conflicts of interest have been resolved to the satisfaction of ArcMesa Educators. Staff Disclosure Declarations The employees of ArcMesa Educators have no financial relationships to disclose. Faculty Disclosure Declarations Hal M. Hoffman, MD – Consultant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Anna Kinzler, PhD – Nothing to disclose Printer settings may vary. Please use landscape layout option. Copyright © 2007 ArcMesa Educators, LLC / CMEdiscovery.com. All rights reserved.