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Freedman P, Schock B, O'Reilly S. The Novel Cytokine Interleukin-41/Meteorin-like Is Reduced in Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:1205. [PMID: 39056787 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease with a triad of features that include vascular abnormalities, inflammation and skin and lung fibrosis. At the core of the disease is the activation of myofibroblasts from quiescent fibroblasts and this can be modified by various cytokines. IL-41 is a recently described cytokine that was initially characterised as an adipokine as it was highly expressed in adipocytes and adipose tissue. However, it has recently been identified as being widely expressed and has immunomodulatory functions. This study examined the circulating levels of IL-41 and its expression in skin biopsies. We demonstrated significantly reduced levels of IL-41 in diffuse SSc that was also mirrored in the skin of SSc patients. AMPK has been proposed as a downstream target of IL-41, so we also measure mammalian target of rapamycin in skin and found that this is elevated in SSc patients. We speculate that IL-41 maybe an antifibrotic cytokine and its reduction may facilitate the activation of fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Freedman
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Bettina Schock
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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2
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Gumkowska-Sroka O, Kotyla K, Kotyla P. Immunogenetics of Systemic Sclerosis. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:586. [PMID: 38790215 PMCID: PMC11121022 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by massive fibrosis, vascular damage, and immune imbalance. Advances in rheumatology and immunology over the past two decades have led to a redefinition of systemic sclerosis, shifting from its initial perception as primarily a "hyperfibrotic" state towards a recognition of systemic sclerosis as an immune-mediated disease. Consequently, the search for genetic markers has transitioned from focusing on fibrotic mechanisms to exploring immune regulatory pathways. Immunogenetics, an emerging field at the intersection of immunology, molecular biology, and genetics has provided valuable insights into inherited factors that influence immunity. Data from genetic studies conducted thus far indicate that alterations in genetic messages can significantly impact disease risk and progression. While certain genetic variations may confer protective effects, others may exacerbate disease susceptibility. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the most relevant genetic changes that influence both the risk and course of systemic sclerosis. Special emphasis is placed on factors regulating the immune response, recognizing their pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Przemysław Kotyla
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, Voivodeship Hospital No. 5, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (O.G.-S.); (K.K.)
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3
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Liakouli V, Ciancio A, Del Galdo F, Giacomelli R, Ciccia F. Systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease: unmet needs and potential solutions. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:21-32. [PMID: 37923862 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a rare, complex, systemic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology, characterized by high morbidity and mortality often resulting from cardiopulmonary complications such as interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Despite substantial progress in unravelling the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and the increasing number of therapeutic targets tested in clinical trials, there is still no cure for this disease, although several proposed treatments might limit the involvement of specific organs, thereby slowing the natural history of the disease. A specific focus of recent research has been to address the plethora of unmet needs regarding the global management of SSc-related interstitial lung disease, including its pathogenesis, early diagnosis, risk stratification of patients, appropriate treatment regimens and monitoring of treatment response, as well as the definition of progression and predictors of progression and mortality. More refined stratification of patients on the basis of clinical features, molecular signatures, identification of subpopulations with distinct clinical trajectories and implementation of outcome measures for future clinical trials could also improve therapeutic management strategies, helping to avoid poor outcomes related to lung involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Liakouli
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Ciancio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Scleroderma Programme, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospital Trusts, Leeds, UK
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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4
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Steadman T, O'Reilly S. Elevated interleukin-11 in systemic sclerosis and role in disease pathogenesis. J Dermatol 2023; 50:1255-1261. [PMID: 37291792 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which there is elevated inflammation, aberrant cytokine expression, and subsequent fibrosis. Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a recently described profibrotic cytokine that can mediate fibrosis in the heart, lungs, and skin and is upregulated by transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β1). The objective of this study was to quantify the serum levels of IL-11 in early diffuse SSc patients. Also, if IL-11 could regulate the alarmin IL-33 in dermal fibroblasts was quantified. Early diffuse SSc patient sera was isolated and IL-11 was quantified by specific commercial ELISA compared to healthy control (n = 17). Healthy dermal fibroblasts were cultured in vitro and then serum starved and incubated with or without recombinant IL-11. At specific early and late time points the supernatant was quantified for the alarmin IL-33 by specific ELISA. In early diffuse SSc patients it was demonstrated that they have elevated IL-11 in their sera. In a subgroup of SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) this elevation was particularly pronounced compared to those devoid of fibrotic lung disease. In vitro incubation of healthy dermal fibroblasts led to a significant induction of IL-33 cytokine release into the cell media. IL-11 is a profibrotic cytokine that is elevated in early diffuse SSc and is particularly elevated in those with ILD. This suggests that IL-11 could be a possible biomarker of ILD in SSc. It was also found that IL-11 led to release of the cytokine alarmin IL-33 in fibroblasts at earlier time points but not late time points, suggesting early stimulation elicits an inflammatory response in the local microenvironment but prolonged stimulation leads to fibrosis.
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5
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O'Reilly S. Toll-like receptor triggering in systemic sclerosis: time to target. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI12-SI19. [PMID: 35863054 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SSc is an autoimmune disease that has features of vascular abnormalities, inflammation and skin and lung fibrosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are sentinel receptors that serve to recognize pathogens or internal danger signals leading to downstream signalling pathways that ultimately lead to inflammation and modification of adaptive immunity. Inflammation and fibrosis appear intricately connected in this disease and TLR ligation on fibroblasts can directly activate these cells to produce copious amounts of collagen, a hallmark of disease. The presence of damage-associated molecular patterns in association with fibrosis has been highlighted. Given their prominent role in disease, this review discusses the evidence of their expression and role in disease pathogenesis and possible therapeutic intervention to mitigate fibrosis.
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6
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Cannabinoid Compounds as a Pharmacotherapeutic Option for the Treatment of Non-Cancer Skin Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244102. [PMID: 36552866 PMCID: PMC9777118 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been shown to be involved in various skin functions, such as melanogenesis and the maintenance of redox balance in skin cells exposed to UV radiation, as well as barrier functions, sebaceous gland activity, wound healing and the skin's immune response. In addition to the potential use of cannabinoids in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer, cannabinoid compounds and derivatives are of interest as potential systemic and topical applications for the treatment of various inflammatory, fibrotic and pruritic skin conditions. In this context, cannabinoid compounds have been successfully tested as a therapeutic option for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, atopic and seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, asteatotic and atopic eczema, uraemic pruritis, scalp psoriasis, systemic sclerosis and venous leg ulcers. This review provides an insight into the current literature on cannabinoid compounds as potential medicines for the treatment of skin diseases.
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7
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Tuncer F, Bulik M, Villandre J, Lear T, Chen Y, Tuncer B, Kass DJ, Valenzi E, Morse C, Sembrat J, Lafyatis R, Chen B, Evankovich J. Fibronectin-EDA accumulates via reduced ubiquitination downstream of Toll-like receptor 9 activation in SSc-ILD fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 323:L484-L494. [PMID: 35997276 PMCID: PMC9550569 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00019.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components from lung fibroblasts is a feature of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), and there is increasing evidence that innate immune signaling pathways contribute to these processes. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune sensors activated by danger signals derived from pathogens or host molecular patterns. Several damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules are elevated in SSc-ILD plasma, including ligands that activate TLR9, an innate immune sensor recently implicated in driving profibrotic responses in fibroblasts. Fibronectin and the isoform fibronectin-extra domain A (FN-EDA) are prominent in pathological extracellular matrix accumulation, but mechanisms promoting FN-EDA accumulation are only partially understood. Here, we show that TLR9 activation increases FN-EDA accumulation in MRC5 and SSc-ILD fibroblasts, but that this effect is independent of changes in FN-EDA gene transcription. Rather, we describe a novel mechanism where TLR9 activation inhibits FN-EDA turnover via reduced FN-EDA ubiquitination. TLR9 ligand ODN2006 reduces ubiquitinated FN-EDA destined for lysosomal degradation, an effect abrogated with TLR9 knockdown or inhibition. Taken together, these results provide rationale for disrupting the TLR9 signaling axis or FN-EDA degradation pathways to reduce FN-EDA accumulation in SSc-ILD fibroblasts. More broadly, enhancing intracellular degradation of ECM components through TLR9 inhibition or enhanced ECM turnover could be a novel strategy to attenuate pathogenic ECM accumulation in SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferhan Tuncer
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa Bulik
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Villandre
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Travis Lear
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanwen Chen
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Beyza Tuncer
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eleanor Valenzi
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Christina Morse
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bill Chen
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Evankovich
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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8
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Interleukin-36α is elevated in diffuse systemic sclerosis and may potentiate fibrosis. Cytokine 2022; 156:155921. [PMID: 35667282 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune prototypical connective tissues disease that results in alterations in vasculature, inflammation and fibrosis of the skin. Interleukin-1 family cytokines has been implicated in the disease including IL-1. IL-36α is an IL-1 family member that is clearly implicated in psoriatic skin disease but its role in systemic sclerosis disease is not clear. The aim of this work is to evaluate the levels and role of IL-36α in systemic sclerosis. Early diffuse SSc patients sera was isolated along with healthy controls and IL-36 levels quantified by ELISA. In vitro analysis was also undertaken with primary dermal fibroblasts with recombinant IL-36α and keratinocyte cells were also incubated with IL-36α. Cytokines were measured by ELISA. Serum IL-36 was significantly elevated compared to healthy controls. Elevated neutrophil elastase was also elevated in the matched sera. IL-36 was not directly pro-fibrotic in dermal fibroblasts but did induce pro-inflammatory cytokines that were dependant on the MAPK pathway for their release. IL-36α also led to release of CCL20 and CCL2 in keratinocytes which may potentiate fibrosis. IL-36α is elevated in SSc serum and whilst not directly pro-fibrotic it may through keratinocytes, potentiate fibrosis through keratinocyte-immune fibroblast cross-talk.
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9
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Sheu KM, Hoffmann A. Functional Hallmarks of Healthy Macrophage Responses: Their Regulatory Basis and Disease Relevance. Annu Rev Immunol 2022; 40:295-321. [PMID: 35471841 PMCID: PMC10074967 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-101320-031555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages are first responders for the immune system. In this role, they have both effector functions for neutralizing pathogens and sentinel functions for alerting other immune cells of diverse pathologic threats, thereby initiating and coordinating a multipronged immune response. Macrophages are distributed throughout the body-they circulate in the blood, line the mucosal membranes, reside within organs, and survey the connective tissue. Several reviews have summarized their diverse roles in different physiological scenarios and in the initiation or amplification of different pathologies. In this review, we propose that both the effector and the sentinel functions of healthy macrophages rely on three hallmark properties: response specificity, context dependence, and stimulus memory. When these hallmark properties are diminished, the macrophage's biological functions are impaired, which in turn results in increased risk for immune dysregulation, manifested by immune deficiency or autoimmunity. We review the evidence and the molecular mechanisms supporting these functional hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Sheu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Alexander Hoffmann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA;
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10
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Dai B, Ding L, Zhao L, Zhu H, Luo H. Contributions of Immune Cells and Stromal Cells to the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: Recent Insights. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:826839. [PMID: 35185577 PMCID: PMC8852243 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.826839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem rheumatic disease characterized by vascular dysfunction, autoimmune abnormalities, and progressive organ fibrosis. A series of studies in SSc patients and fibrotic models suggest that immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells participate in inflammation and aberrant tissue repair. Furthermore, the growing number of studies on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in SSc elaborate on the transcriptomics and heterogeneities of these cell subsets significantly. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding immune cells and stromal cells in SSc patients and discuss their potential roles in SSc pathogenesis, focusing on recent advances in the new subtypes by scRNA-seq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingying Dai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liqing Ding
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijuan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Honglin Zhu, ; Hui Luo,
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Honglin Zhu, ; Hui Luo,
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11
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Thoreau B, Chaigne B, Renaud A, Mouthon L. Pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis. Presse Med 2021; 50:104087. [PMID: 34718115 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2021.104087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by vascular remodeling, fibroblast activation and extra-cellular matrix production in excess and autoimmunity. Environmental factors including mainly silica and solvents have been assumed to contribute to the development of SSc, together with genetic factors including gene variants implicated in innate immunity such as IRF5 and STAT4, and epigenetic factors including histone post-translational modifications, DNA hypomethylation, and microRNAs or long- non coding RNAs system were reported to participate in immune activation and fibrosis processes in patients with SSc. A number of animal models of SSc have been set up over the years, including genetic and induced SSc models. These models, together with data obtained from human SSc patients, contributed to better understand the mechanisms contributing to vasculopathy and fibrosis. Alongside the pathophysiological process of SSc, several cellular and molecular actors are involved, such as dysregulations in the innate and adaptive immune cells, of the fibroblast, the implication of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrosing signaling pathways such as the Wnt, TGF-β pathways or other cytokines, with a strong imprint of oxidative stress. The whole lead to the overactivity of the fibroblast with genetic dysregulation, apoptosis defect, hyperproduction of elements of extracellular matrix, and finally the phenomena of vasculopathy and fibrosis. These advances contribute to open new therapeutic areas through the design of biologics and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Thoreau
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Chaigne
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Arthur Renaud
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.
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12
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Fung KY, Louis C, Metcalfe RD, Kosasih CC, Wicks IP, Griffin MDW, Putoczki TL. Emerging roles for IL-11 in inflammatory diseases. Cytokine 2021; 149:155750. [PMID: 34689057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a cytokine that has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases and solid malignancies. Elevated IL-11 expression is also associated with several non-malignant inflammatory diseases where its function remains less well-characterized. Here, we summarize current literature surrounding the contribution of IL-11 to the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and systemic sclerosis, as well as other chronic inflammatory conditions such as periodontitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis and colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Yee Fung
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia.
| | - Cynthia Louis
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia; Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Riley D Metcalfe
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Technology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Clara C Kosasih
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Technology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ian P Wicks
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia; Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Victoria 3052, Australia; Rheumatology Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Michael D W Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Technology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Tracy L Putoczki
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia.
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13
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Szabo I, Muntean L, Crisan T, Rednic V, Sirbe C, Rednic S. Novel Concepts in Systemic Sclerosis Pathogenesis: Role for miRNAs. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101471. [PMID: 34680587 PMCID: PMC8533248 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes. It is characterized by the pathogenic triad: microangiopathy, immune dysfunction, and fibrosis. Epigenetic mechanisms modulate gene expression without interfering with the DNA sequence. Epigenetic marks may be reversible and their differential response to external stimuli could explain the protean clinical manifestations of SSc while offering the opportunity of targeted drug development. Small, non-coding RNA sequences (miRNAs) have demonstrated complex interactions between vasculature, immune activation, and extracellular matrices. Distinct miRNA profiles were identified in SSc skin specimens and blood samples containing a wide variety of dysregulated miRNAs. Their target genes are mainly involved in profibrotic pathways, but new lines of evidence also confirm their participation in impaired angiogenesis and aberrant immune responses. Research approaches focusing on earlier stages of the disease and on differential miRNA expression in various tissues could bring novel insights into SSc pathogenesis and validate the clinical utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Szabo
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Laura Muntean
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
- Department of Rheumatology, County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Tania Crisan
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Voicu Rednic
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology II, “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor” Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudia Sirbe
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Simona Rednic
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
- Department of Rheumatology, County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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14
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Advances in epigenetics in systemic sclerosis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:596-607. [PMID: 34480165 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a prototypical inflammatory fibrotic disease involving inflammation, vascular abnormalities and fibrosis that primarily affect the skin and lungs. The aetiology of SSc is unknown and its pathogenesis is only partially understood. Of all the rheumatic diseases, SSc carries the highest all-cause mortality rate and represents an unmet medical need. A growing body of evidence implicates epigenetic aberrations in this intractable disease, including specific modifications affecting the three main cell types involved in SSc pathogenesis: immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss the latest insights into the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in SSc and how these epigenetic alterations affect disease features. In particular, histone modifications have a role in the regulation of gene expression pertinent to activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, governing their fate. DNA methyltransferases are crucial in disease pathogenesis by mediating methylation of DNA in specific promoters, regulating expression of specific pathways. We discuss targeting of these enzymes for therapeutic gain. Innovative epigenetic therapy could be targeted to treat the disease in a precision epigenetics approach.
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15
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O’Reilly S. Circulating Gremlin-1 is elevated in systemic sclerosis patients. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2021; 6:286-289. [PMID: 35382498 PMCID: PMC8922663 DOI: 10.1177/23971983211036571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which there
is activation of the immune system, vascular disease and fibrosis.
Activation of quiescent fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is key to disease
pathogenesis. Gremlin-1 is a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist which is
important in development and we recently reported in skin fibrosis. The aim
of this study was to determine the serum circulating levels of Gremlin-1 in
early diffuse systemic sclerosis. Methods: Twenty-one early diffuse systemic sclerosis patients (less than 2 years from
first non-Raynaud’s symptom) were included and age and sex-matched healthy
controls. Serum was isolated from blood and measured with a specific
enzyme-linked immunoassay for Gremlin-1. Clinical variables were also
measured. Results: Significantly elevated Gremlin-1 was found in sera of early diffuse systemic
sclerosis patients (p < 0.001). In patients with
interstitial lung disease, this compared to systemic sclerosis without
evidence of interstitial lung disease, Gremlin-1 was significantly elevated
(p < 0.0007). A correlation was found between
circulating Gremlin-1 and modified Rodnan Skin Score, albeit weak. Discussion: In early diffuse systemic sclerosis patients, elevated Gremlin-1 is found in
serum. This is particularly prominent in systemic sclerosis–associated
interstitial lung disease. This suggests that Gremlin-1 may be a biomarker
for systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease.
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16
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Henderson J, O'Reilly S. The emerging role of metabolism in fibrosis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:639-653. [PMID: 34024695 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic shift that cancer cells undergo towards aerobic glycolysis was identified as a defining feature in tumours almost 100 years ago; however, it has only recently become apparent that similar metabolic reprogramming is a key feature in other diseases - with fibrosis now entering the fray. In this perspective, an overview of the recent evidence implicating increased glycolysis and glutaminolysis as mediators of fibrosis is presented, with a particular emphasis on the novel therapeutic possibilities this introduces. Furthermore, the impact that metabolic reprogramming has on redox homeostasis is discussed, providing an insight into how this often-overlooked mechanism may drive the pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. steven.o'
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17
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Kendall RT, Renaud L, Baatz JE, Malaab M, Nguyen XX, Feghali-Bostwick CA. Systemic sclerosis biomarkers detection in the secretome of TGFβ1-activated primary human lung fibroblasts. J Proteomics 2021; 242:104243. [PMID: 33930553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
TGFβ1 is a profibrotic mediator that contributes to a broad spectrum of pathologies, including systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF). However, the secretome of TGFβ1-stimulated primary human normal lung (NL) fibroblasts has not been well characterized. Using fluorescent 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and differential gel electrophoresis (DIGE) followed by Mass Spectrometry, we identified 37 differentially secreted proteins in the conditioned media of TGFβ1-activated NL fibroblasts and generated a protein-protein association network of the TGFβ1 secretome using STRING. Functional enrichment revealed that several biological processes and pathways characteristic of PF were enriched. Additionally, by comparing the TGFβ1 secretome of NL fibroblasts to proteomic biomarkers from biological fluids of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, we identified 11 overlapping proteins. Together our data validate the TGFβ1-induced secretome of NL fibroblasts as a valid in vitro model that reflects SSc biomarkers and identify potential therapeutic targets for SSc-PF. SIGNIFICANCE: All proteins secreted by fibroblasts into the extracellular space, representing the secretome, promote cell-to-cell communication as well as tissue homeostasis, immune mechanisms, developmental regulation, proteolysis, development of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell adhesion. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how TGFβ1, a well-known profibrotic cytokine, modulates the secretome of pulmonary fibroblasts, and how the TGFβ1-induced secretome resembles biomarkers in SSc. Using functional enrichment analysis, key pathways and hub proteins can be identified and studied as potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Kendall
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - John E Baatz
- Department of Pediatrics, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Maya Malaab
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Xinh-Xinh Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Carol A Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
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18
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Di Benedetto P, Ruscitti P, Berardicurti O, Vomero M, Navarini L, Dolo V, Cipriani P, Giacomelli R. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 205:12-27. [PMID: 33772754 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Di Benedetto
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Ruscitti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - O Berardicurti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Vomero
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - L Navarini
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - V Dolo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Cipriani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Giacomelli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
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19
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Valenzi E, Tabib T, Papazoglou A, Sembrat J, Trejo Bittar HE, Rojas M, Lafyatis R. Disparate Interferon Signaling and Shared Aberrant Basaloid Cells in Single-Cell Profiling of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:595811. [PMID: 33859634 PMCID: PMC8042271 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.595811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) differ in the predominant demographics and identified genetic risk alleles of effected patients, however both diseases frequently progress to respiratory failure and death. Contrasting advanced SSc-ILD to IPF provides insight to the role dysregulated immunity may play in pulmonary fibrosis. To analyze cell-type specific transcriptome commonalities and differences between IPF and SSc-ILD, we compared single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 21 explanted lung tissue specimens from patients with advanced IPF, SSc-ILD, and organ donor controls. Comparison of IPF and SSc-ILD tissue identified divergent patterns of interferon signaling, with interferon-gamma signaling upregulated in the SPP1hi and FABP4hi macrophages, cytotoxic T cells, and natural kill cells of IPF, while type I interferon signaling and production was upregulated in the corresponding SSc-ILD populations. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells were found in diseased lungs only, and exhibited upregulated cellular stress pathways in SSc-ILD compared to IPF. Alveolar type I cells were dramatically decreased in both IPF and SSc-ILD, with a distinct transcriptome signature separating these cells by disease. KRT5-/KRT17+ aberrant basaloid cells exhibiting markers of cellular senescence and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were identified in SSc-ILD for the first time. In summary, our study utilizes the enriched capabilities of scRNA-seq to identify key divergent cell types and pathways between IPF and SSc-ILD, providing new insights into the shared and distinct mechanisms between idiopathic and autoimmune interstitial lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Valenzi
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Anna Papazoglou
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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20
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Velosa APP, Brito L, de Jesus Queiroz ZA, Carrasco S, Tomaz de Miranda J, Farhat C, Goldenstein-Schainberg C, Parra ER, de Andrade DCO, Silva PL, Capelozzi VL, Teodoro WR. Identification of Autoimmunity to Peptides of Collagen V α1 Chain as Newly Biomarkers of Early Stage of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2021; 11:604602. [PMID: 33643291 PMCID: PMC7907509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.604602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Systemic sclerosis (SSc) presents immune dysregulation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of the skin and various internal organs. Pulmonary fibrosis leads to SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in SSc. Recently autoimmunity to type V collagen (Col V) has been characterized in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and show promise to be related to the development in SSc. Our aim was to evaluate autoimmunity to Col V α1(V) and α2(V) chains and to the antigenic peptides of these Col V chains in early-SSc sera employing lung tissue of SSc-ILD, as antigen source. We found that sera samples from patients with early-SSc were reactive to Col V (41.18%) and presented immunoreactivity for Col5A1(1.049) and Col5A1(1.439) peptides. The IgG isolated from early-SSc patients-anti-Col V positive sera (anti-ColV IgG) was adsorbed with α1(V) chain (anti-ColV IgG/ads-α1(V)) and α2(V) chain (anti-ColV IgG/ads-α2(V)) and biotinylated to evaluate the spectrum of reactivity in SSc-ILD patients lung biopsies by immunofluorescence. The SSc-ILD lung tissue samples immunostained with anti-ColV IgG showed increased green fluorescence in the vascular basement membrane, bronchiolar smooth muscle, and adventitial layer, contrasting with the tenue immunostaining in control lungs. Col V protein expression in these pulmonary compartments immunostained with early-SSc anti-ColV IgG was confirmed by immune colocalization assays with commercial anti-human Col V antibodies. In addition, SSc-ILD lung tissues immunostained with anti-ColV IgG/ads-α1(V) (sample in which Col V α1 chain-specific antibodies were removed) showed decreased green fluorescence compared to anti-ColV IgG and anti-ColV IgG/ads-α2(V). Our data show that autoimmunity to Col V in early-SSc was related to peptides of the α1(V) chain, suggesting that these antibodies could be biomarkers of SSc stages and potential target of immunotherapy with Col V immunogenic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Pereira Velosa
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas FMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lais Brito
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas FMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Solange Carrasco
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas FMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jurandir Tomaz de Miranda
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas FMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cecília Farhat
- Department of Pathology of the Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Goldenstein-Schainberg
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas FMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edwin Roger Parra
- Department of Pathology of the Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Leme Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vera Luiza Capelozzi
- Department of Pathology of the Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Walcy Rosolia Teodoro
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas FMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Henderson J, Duffy L, Stratton R, Ford D, O'Reilly S. Metabolic reprogramming of glycolysis and glutamine metabolism are key events in myofibroblast transition in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:14026-14038. [PMID: 33140521 PMCID: PMC7754020 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare fibrotic autoimmune disorder for which no curative treatments currently exist. Metabolic remodelling has recently been implicated in other autoimmune diseases; however, its potential role in SSc has received little attention. Here, we aimed to determine whether changes to glycolysis and glutaminolysis are important features of skin fibrosis. TGF‐β1, the quintessential pro‐fibrotic stimulus, was used to activate fibrotic pathways in NHDFs in vitro. Dermal fibroblasts derived from lesions of SSc patients were also used for in vitro experiments. Parameters of glycolytic function were assessed using by measuring extracellular acidification in response to glycolytic activators/inhibitors, whilst markers of fibrosis were measured by Western blotting following the use of the glycolysis inhibitors 2‐dg and 3PO and the glutaminolysis inhibitor G968. Succinate was also measured after TGF‐β1 stimulation. Itaconate was added to SSc fibroblasts and collagen examined. TGF‐β1 up‐regulates glycolysis in dermal fibroblasts, and inhibition of glycolysis attenuates its pro‐fibrotic effects. Furthermore, inhibition of glutamine metabolism also reverses TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis, whilst glutaminase expression is up‐regulated in dermal fibroblasts derived from SSc patient skin lesions, suggesting that enhanced glutamine metabolism is another aspect of the pro‐fibrotic metabolic phenotype in skin fibrosis. TGF‐β1 was also able to enhance succinate production, with increased succinate shown to be associated with increased collagen expression. Incubation of SSc cells with itaconate, an important metabolite, reduced collagen expression. TGF‐β1 activation of glycolysis is a key feature of the fibrotic phenotype induced by TGF‐B1 in skin cells, whilst increased glutaminolysis is also evident in SSc fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Laura Duffy
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatic and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dianne Ford
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
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22
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Innate immune response in systemic autoimmune diseases: a potential target of therapy. Inflammopharmacology 2020; 28:1421-1438. [DOI: 10.1007/s10787-020-00762-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Silva-Cardoso SC, Tao W, Angiolilli C, Lopes AP, Bekker CPJ, Devaprasad A, Giovannone B, van Laar J, Cossu M, Marut W, Hack E, de Boer RJ, Boes M, Radstake TRDJ, Pandit A. CXCL4 Links Inflammation and Fibrosis by Reprogramming Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells in vitro. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2149. [PMID: 33042127 PMCID: PMC7527415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a condition shared by numerous inflammatory diseases. Our incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis has severely hampered effective drug development. CXCL4 is associated with the onset and extent of fibrosis development in multiple inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Here, we used monocyte-derived cells as a model system to study the effects of CXCL4 exposure on dendritic cell development by integrating 65 longitudinal and paired whole genome transcriptional and methylation profiles. Using data-driven gene regulatory network analyses, we demonstrate that CXCL4 dramatically alters the trajectory of monocyte differentiation, inducing a novel pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic phenotype mediated via key transcriptional regulators including CIITA. Importantly, these pro-inflammatory cells directly trigger a fibrotic cascade by producing extracellular matrix molecules and inducing myofibroblast differentiation. Inhibition of CIITA mimicked CXCL4 in inducing a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic phenotype, validating the relevance of the gene regulatory network. Our study unveils that CXCL4 acts as a key secreted factor driving innate immune training and forming the long-sought link between inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra C Silva-Cardoso
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Weiyang Tao
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Chiara Angiolilli
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ana P Lopes
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis P J Bekker
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Abhinandan Devaprasad
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Barbara Giovannone
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Laar
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marta Cossu
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Wioleta Marut
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Erik Hack
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rob J de Boer
- Theoretical Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marianne Boes
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aridaman Pandit
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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24
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Zheng JN, Li Y, Yan YM, Shi H, Zou TT, Shao WQ, Wang Q. Identification and Validation of Key Genes Associated With Systemic Sclerosis-Related Pulmonary Hypertension. Front Genet 2020; 11:816. [PMID: 32793290 PMCID: PMC7393672 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis-associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) is still a major cause of SSc related deaths. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to reduce the mortality of patients with SSc-PAH. To screen the candidate biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for SSc-PAH, we analyzed the data set (GSE33463 and GSE19617) for confirming key genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SSc-PAH patients. A total of 105 SSc patients from gene expression omnibus (GEO) were included as discovery cohort (n = 69) and duplication cohort (n = 36) for screening hub genes by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Furthermore, an independent validation cohort (n = 40), including healthy controls, SSc and SSc-PAH patients, was used for further validation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that four key genes, including IFIT2, IFIT3, RSAD2, and PARP14, may serve as potential biomarkers in SSc-PAH. Also, they could be independent risk factors for SSc-PAH. In conclusion, the four key genes can be expected to become the potential therapeutic targets and early biomarkers for accurate therapy and diagnosis of SSc-PAH in the future, which also provides promising insights into the pathogenesis of SSc-PAH at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Na Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Stomatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue-Mei Yan
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Qi Shao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Avanoǧlu Güler A, Rossi FW, Bellando-Randone S, Prevete N, Tufan A, Manetti M, de Paulis A, Matucci-Cerinic M. The Role of Endogenous Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid-Derived Resolvins in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1249. [PMID: 32636845 PMCID: PMC7318896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Resolvins, the member of specialized pro-resolving mediators, are produced from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a response to an acute inflammatory process in that termination and resolution of inflammation. In the acute inflammation, these lipid mediators limit polymorphonuclear cells infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine production; promote efferocytosis, and regulate several cell types being important roles in innate and adaptive immunity. Any dysregulation or defect of the resolution phase result in prolonged, persistent inflammation and eventually fibrosis. Resolvins are implicated in the development of various chronic autoimmune diseases. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a very complicated, chronic autoimmune disorder proceeding with vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis. Dysregulation of innate and adaptive immunity is another important contributing factor in the pathogenesis of SSc. In this review, we will focus on the different roles of this new family of lipid mediators, characterized by the ability to prevent the spread of inflammation and its chronicity in various ways and how they can control the development of fibrotic diseases like SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslıhan Avanoǧlu Güler
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Francesca Wanda Rossi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Nella Prevete
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Abdurrahman Tufan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Amato de Paulis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- S O'Reilly
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
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27
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Karimizadeh E, Mostafaei S, Aslani S, Gharibdoost F, Xavier RM, Salim PH, Kavosi H, Farhadi E, Mahmoudi M. Evaluation of the association between KIR polymorphisms and systemic sclerosis: a meta-analysis. Adv Rheumatol 2020; 60:8. [PMID: 31924272 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-019-0107-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The results of investigations on the association between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene polymorphisms and the risk of systemic sclerosis (SSc) are inconsistent. To comprehensively evaluate the influence of KIR polymorphisms on the risk of SSc, this meta-analysis was performed. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed in electronic databases including Scopus and PubMed/MEDLINE to find all available studies involving KIR gene family polymorphisms and SSc risk prior to July 2019. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured to detect associations between KIR gene family polymorphisms and SSc risk. RESULTS Five articles, comprising 571 patients and 796 healthy participants, evaluating the KIR gene family polymorphisms were included in the final meta-analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 16 KIR genes were assessed. None of the KIR genes were significantly associated with the risk of SSc. CONCLUSIONS The current meta-analysis provides evidence that KIR genes might not be potential risk factors for SSc risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Karimizadeh
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayan Mostafaei
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Gharibdoost
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ricardo Machado Xavier
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Serviço de Reumatologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Patricia Hartstein Salim
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Serviço de Reumatologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Hoda Kavosi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Farhadi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran. .,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran. .,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Asano Y, Varga J. Rationally-based therapeutic disease modification in systemic sclerosis: Novel strategies. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 101:146-160. [PMID: 31859147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a highly challenging chronic condition that is dominated by the pathogenetic triad of vascular damage, immune dysregulation/autoimmunity and fibrosis in multiple organs. A hallmark of SSc is the remarkable degree of molecular and phenotypic disease heterogeneity, which surpasses that of other complex rheumatic diseases. Disease trajectories in SSc are unpredictable and variable from patient to patient. Disease-modifying therapies for SSc are lacking, long-term morbidity is considerable and mortality remains unacceptably high. Currently-used empirical approaches to disease modification have modest and variable clinical efficacy and impact on survival, are expensive and frequently associated with unfavorable side effects, and none can be considered curative. However, research during the past several years is yielding significant advances with therapeutic potential. In particular, the application of unbiased omics-based discovery technologies to large and well-characterized SSc patient cohorts, coupled with hypothesis-testing experimental research using a variety of model systems is revealing new insights into SSc that allow formulation of a more nuanced appreciation of disease heterogeneity, and a deepening understanding of pathogenesis. Indeed, we are now presented with numerous novel and rationally-based strategies for targeted SSc therapy, several of which are currently, or expected to be shortly, undergoing clinical evaluation. In this review, we discuss promising novel therapeutic targets and rationally-based approaches to disease modification that have the potential to improve long-term outcomes in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States.
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Blagojevic J, Legendre P, Matucci-Cerinic M, Mouthon L. Is there today a place for corticosteroids in the treatment of scleroderma? Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Innate immunity and Toll-like receptor signaling in the pathogenesis of scleroderma: advances and opportunities for therapy. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2019; 30:600-605. [PMID: 30234721 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which inflammation and cytokine dysregulation leads to skin fibrosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are conserved pattern recognition receptors, recognizing pathogens danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that elicit a cascade of proinflammatory signaling. Recently, TLRs have been found to be critically important in SSc pathogenesis, with increased levels of the TLRs and their ligands present in the disease. Animal models have also been pivotal in delineating the role of these innate immune receptors in SSc. This current review examines the role of TLRs and the most recent evidence of the role of DAMPs and how these may be exploited therapeutically. RECENT FINDINGS Increasingly, studies have demonstrated the key roles of TLR4 and other intracellular TLRs in mediating fibrosis in SSc patients and animal models. TLR4 activation appears a key point and novel DAMPs, expressed upon tissue damage, appear critical in mediating the profibrotic effect through a downstream enhancement of transforming growth factor β. Deletion of Tenascin-C or a splice variant of fibronectin ameliorates animal models of skin fibrosis. Intracellular, nucleic acid sensing, TLR8 is critical in activating macrophages to secrete profibrotic molecules. The mechanism involves histone modification through epigenetic modifying enzymes. SUMMARY TLRs are key therapeutic targets in SSc.
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Henry TW, Mendoza FA, Jimenez SA. Role of microRNA in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis tissue fibrosis and vasculopathy. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102396. [PMID: 31520794 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis involves multiple immunological, vascular and fibroproliferative abnormalities that contribute to a severe and complex clinical picture. Vasculopathy and fibroproliferative alterations are two hallmark pathological processes in SSc that are responsible for the most severe clinical manifestations of the disease and determine its clinical outcome and mortality. However, the pathogenesis of SSc vasculopathy and of the uncontrolled SSc fibrotic process remain incompletely understood. Recent investigations into the molecular pathways involved in these processes have identified an important role for epigenetic processes that contribute to overall disease progression and have emphasized microRNAs (miRNAs) as crucial epigenetic regulators. MiRNAs hold unique potential for elucidating SSc pathogenesis, improving diagnosis and developing effective targeted therapies for the disease. This review examines the important role that miRNAs play in the development and regulation of vascular and fibroproliferative alterations associated with SSc pathogenesis and their possible participation in the establishment of pathogenetic connections between these two processes. This review also emphasizes that further understanding of the involvement of miRNA in SSc fibrosis and vasculopathy will very likely provide novel future research directions and allow for the identification of groundbreaking therapeutic interventions within these processes. MiR-21, miR- 31, and miR-155 are of particular interest owing to their important involvement in both SSc vasculopathy and fibroproliferative alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W Henry
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Fabian A Mendoza
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, USA.
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32
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Valenzi E, Bulik M, Tabib T, Morse C, Sembrat J, Trejo Bittar H, Rojas M, Lafyatis R. Single-cell analysis reveals fibroblast heterogeneity and myofibroblasts in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1379-1387. [PMID: 31405848 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Myofibroblasts are key effector cells in the extracellular matrix remodelling of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD); however, the diversity of fibroblast populations present in the healthy and SSc-ILD lung is unknown and has prevented the specific study of the myofibroblast transcriptome. We sought to identify and define the transcriptomes of myofibroblasts and other mesenchymal cell populations in human healthy and SSc-ILD lungs to understand how alterations in fibroblast phenotypes lead to SSc-ILD fibrosis. METHODS We performed droplet-based, single-cell RNA-sequencing with integrated canonical correlation analysis of 13 explanted lung tissue specimens (56 196 cells) from four healthy control and four patients with SSc-ILD, with findings confirmed by cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing in additional samples. RESULTS Examination of gene expression in mesenchymal cells identified two major, SPINT2hi and MFAP5hi, and one minor, WIF1hi, fibroblast populations in the healthy control lung. Combined analysis of control and SSc-ILD mesenchymal cells identified SPINT2hi, MFAP5hi, few WIF1hi fibroblasts and a new large myofibroblast population with evidence of actively proliferating myofibroblasts. We compared differential gene expression between all SSc-ILD and control mesenchymal cell populations, as well as among the fibroblast subpopulations, showing that myofibroblasts undergo the greatest phenotypic changes in SSc-ILD and strongly upregulate expression of collagens and other profibrotic genes. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate previously unrecognised fibroblast heterogeneity in SSc-ILD and healthy lungs, and define multimodal transcriptome-phenotypes associated with these populations. Our data indicate that myofibroblast differentiation and proliferation are key pathological mechanisms driving fibrosis in SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Valenzi
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Melissa Bulik
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina Morse
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Northumbria University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Ellison Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Jacob M van Laar
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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34
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Bufei Qingyu Granules Inhibit the Development of Systemic Sclerosis via Notch-1/Jagged-2 Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6709278. [PMID: 31354856 PMCID: PMC6633870 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6709278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disorder, mainly characterized by skin sclerosis. In this study, Bufei Qingyu Granules (BQG), a Chinese herbal formula, was used to treat SSc. To better understand the effects and molecular mechanisms of BQG, we successfully established a Bleomycin- (BLM-) induced SSc mouse model, and the mice were treated by BQG. Meanwhile, transcriptomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted on those samples. As a result, we visually showed that BQG ameliorated the overall health of mice, including body weight, spleen, and thymus index. Thus, it also significantly alleviated inflammation presented by Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (Cxcl2), vasculopathy characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibrotic changes elaborated by not only pathological images, but also the hydroxyproline (HYP) content. After testing by transcriptomic analysis, Cxcl2, Synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (Snap25), and Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, and subunit J2 (Eif3j2) which were differentially expressed genes, were verified, so that the data were credible. We further found that BQG could regulate Notch signaling pathway by significantly decreasing both mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch-1 and Jagged-2. Hence, this study demonstrated that BQG could ameliorate the sclerotic skin in mice model involved in inflammation, vascular changes, and fibrosis effects, which was partly mediated by Notch signaling pathway.
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35
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Jansen AFM, Raijmakers RPH, van Deuren M, Vonk MC, Bleeker-Rovers CP. Chronic Q fever associated with systemic sclerosis. Eur J Clin Invest 2019; 49:e13123. [PMID: 31077590 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2010, more than 300 patients with chronic Q fever have been identified. Some patients were also diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, a rare immune-mediated disease. We aimed to increase awareness of concomitant chronic Q fever infection and systemic sclerosis and to give insight into the course of systemic sclerosis during persistent Q fever infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic Q fever patients were identified after the Dutch Q fever outbreak in 2007-2010. Systemic sclerosis was diagnosed by a scleroderma expert and patients fulfilled the 2013 Classification Criteria for Systemic Sclerosis. RESULTS Four cases presented with chronic Q fever, persistent Coxiella burnetii infection, shortly preceded or followed by the diagnosis of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The three male patients of 60 years or older developed a relatively mild systemic sclerosis, which did not require immunosuppressive therapy during adequate treatment of the chronic Q fever infection. The 58-year-old female patient used immunosuppressives for her newly diagnosed systemic sclerosis at the time she likely developed a chronic Q fever infection. CONCLUSIONS In this case series, chronic Q fever preceding systemic sclerosis was associated with a mild course of systemic sclerosis without the necessity of immunosuppressive drugs, while chronic Q fever development due to immunocompromised state was associated with a more deteriorating course of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne F M Jansen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Expert Center for Q fever, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud P H Raijmakers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Expert Center for Q fever, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel van Deuren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Expert Center for Q fever, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal P Bleeker-Rovers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Expert Center for Q fever, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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36
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Nicolosi PA, Tombetti E, Giovenzana A, Donè E, Pulcinelli E, Meneveri R, Tirone M, Maugeri N, Rovere-Querini P, Manfredi AA, Brunelli S. Macrophages Guard Endothelial Lineage by Hindering Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:247-258. [PMID: 31127033 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The signals that control endothelial plasticity in inflamed tissues have only been partially characterized. For example, it has been shown that inadequate vasculogenesis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been associated with an endothelial defect. We used a genetic lineage tracing model to investigate whether endothelial cells die or change phenotypically after fibrosis induction and whether signals released by cells of the innate immune system and in the blood of patients influence their commitment. We observed that in the lineage-tracing transgenic mice Cdh5-CreERT2::R26R-EYFP, endothelial-derived cells (EdCs) underwent fibrosis after treatment with bleomycin, and EdCs retrieved from the lung showed expression of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) markers. Liposome-encapsulated clodronate was used to assess macrophage impact on EdCs. Clodronate treatment affected the number of alternatively activated macrophages in the lung, with upregulated expression of EndoMT markers in lung EdCs. Endothelial fate and function were investigated in vitro upon challenge with serum signals from SSc patients or released by activated macrophages. Sera of SSc patients with anti-Scl70 Abs, at higher risk of visceral organ fibrosis, induced EndoMT and jeopardized endothelial function. In conclusion, EdCs in SSc might be defective because of commitment to a mesenchymal fate, which is sustained by soluble signals in the patient's blood. Macrophages contribute to preserve the endothelial identity of precursor cells. Altered macrophage-dependent plasticity of EdCs could contribute to link vasculopathy with fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Andrea Nicolosi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Enrico Tombetti
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Giovenzana
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Eleonora Donè
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pulcinelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Raffaella Meneveri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Mario Tirone
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy.,Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; and
| | - Norma Maugeri
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo A Manfredi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; .,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Brunelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
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Hassan WA, Hamaad GA, Sayed EA, El Behisy MM, Gomaa MK. Clinical significance of interleukin 27 serum concentration in patients with systemic sclerosis: relation to clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters. EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGY AND REHABILITATION 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/err.err_63_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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38
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Henderson J, Distler J, O'Reilly S. The Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Systemic Sclerosis: A Druggable Target. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:395-411. [PMID: 30858032 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by skin fibrosis that often also affects internal organs, eventually resulting in mortality. Although management of the symptoms has extended lifespan, patients still suffer from poor quality of life, hence the need for improved therapies. Development of efficacious treatments has been stymied by the unknown aetiology, although recent advancements suggest a potentially key role for epigenetics - the regulation of gene expression by noncoding RNAs and chemical modifications to DNA or DNA-associated proteins. Herein, the evidence implicating epigenetics in the pathogenesis of SSc is discussed with an emphasis on the therapeutic potential this introduces to the field - particularly the repurposing of epigenetic targeting cancer therapeutics and newly emerging miRNA-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 8ST, UK
| | - Joerg Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Erlangen University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 8ST, UK.
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Wang Q, Shi G, Zhang Y, Lu F, Xie D, Wen C, Huang L. Deciphering the Potential Pharmaceutical Mechanism of GUI-ZHI-FU-LING-WAN on Systemic Sclerosis based on Systems Biology Approaches. Sci Rep 2019; 9:355. [PMID: 30674993 PMCID: PMC6344516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36314-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a complicated idiopathic connective tissue disease with seldom effective treatment. GUI-ZHI-FU-LING-WAN (GFW) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula widely used for the treatment of SSc. However, the mechanism of how the GFW affects SSc remains unclear. In this study, the system biology approach was utilized to analyze herb compounds and related targets to get the general information of GFW. The KEGG enrichment analysis of 1645 related targets suggested that the formula is involved in the VEGF signaling pathway, the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, etc. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the relationship among the 3 subsets (formula targets, drug targets and disease genes) showed that the formula targets overlapped with 38.0% drug targets and 26.0% proteins encoded by disease genes. Through the analysis of SSc related microarray statistics from the GEO database, we also validated the consistent expression behavior among the 3 subsets before and after treatment. To further reveal the mechanism of prescription, we constructed a network among 3 subsets and decomposed it into 24 modules to decipher how GFW interfere in the progress of SSc. The modules indicated that the intervention may come into effect through following pathogenic processes: vasculopathy, immune dysregulation and tissue fibrosis. Vitro experiments confirmed that GFW could suppress the proliferation of fibroblasts and decrease the Th1 cytokine (TNF-α, MIP-2 and IL-6) expression for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bleomycin (BLM) stimulation in macrophages, which is consistent with previous conclusion that GFW is able to relieve SSc. The systems biology approach provides a new insight for deepening understanding about TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Wang
- TCM Clinical Basis Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Guoshan Shi
- Department of Integrative Traditional & Western Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- TCM Clinical Basis Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Feilong Lu
- TCM Clinical Basis Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Duoli Xie
- TCM Clinical Basis Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Chengping Wen
- TCM Clinical Basis Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China.
| | - Lin Huang
- TCM Clinical Basis Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China.
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Bruni C, Frech T, Manetti M, Rossi FW, Furst DE, De Paulis A, Rivellese F, Guiducci S, Matucci-Cerinic M, Bellando-Randone S. Vascular Leaking, a Pivotal and Early Pathogenetic Event in Systemic Sclerosis: Should the Door Be Closed? Front Immunol 2018; 9:2045. [PMID: 30245695 PMCID: PMC6137210 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The early phase of systemic sclerosis (SSc) presents edema as one of the main features: this is clinically evident in the digital swelling (puffy fingers) as well as in the edematous skin infiltration of the early active diffuse subset. Other organs could be affected by this same disease process, such as the lung (with the appearance of ground glass opacities) and the heart (with edematous changes on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging). The genesis of tissue edema is tightly linked to pathological changes in the endothelium: various reports demonstrated the effect of transforming growth factor β, vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia-reperfusion damage with reactive oxygen species generation in altering vascular permeability and extravasation, in particular in SSc. This condition has an alteration in the glycocalyx thickness, reducing the protection of the vessel wall and causing non-fibrotic interstitial edema, a marker of vascular leak. Moreover, changes in the junctional adhesion molecule family and other adhesion molecules, such as ICAM and VCAM, are associated with an increased myeloid cells' extravasation in the skin and increased myofibroblasts transformation with further vascular leak and cellular migration. This mini-review examines current knowledge on determinants of vascular leak in SSc, shedding light on the role of vascular protection. This could enhance further studies in the light of drug development for early treatment, suggesting that the control of vascular leakage should be considered in the same way that vasodilation and inflammation reduction, as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Bruni
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tracy Frech
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Salt Lake Veterans Affair Medical Centre, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Wanda Rossi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniel E. Furst
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Amato De Paulis
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Rivellese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
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41
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Henderson J, Bhattacharyya S, Varga J, O'Reilly S. Targeting TLRs and the inflammasome in systemic sclerosis. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 192:163-169. [PMID: 30081049 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation, vascular problems, cytokine dysregulation and ultimately fibrosis, which accounts for poor prognosis and eventual mortality. At present no curative treatments exist, hence there is an urgent need to better understand the aetiology and develop improved therapies accordingly. Although still widely debated, significant evidence points to upregulation of the innate immune response via the activity of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the NLRP3 inflammasome as the start points in a cascade of signaling events which drives excessive extracellular matrix protein production, causing fibrosis. Herein the recent breakthroughs which have implicated TLR signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome in SSc and the novel therapeutic possibilities this introduces to the field will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 8ST, United Kingdom
| | | | - John Varga
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 8ST, United Kingdom.
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42
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Meiners S, Evankovich J, Mallampalli RK. The ubiquitin proteasome system as a potential therapeutic target for systemic sclerosis. Transl Res 2018; 198:17-28. [PMID: 29702079 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The present review aims to summarize available knowledge on the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in the pathogenesis of scleroderma and scleroderma-related disease mechanisms. This will provide the reader with a more mechanistic understanding of disease pathogenesis and help to identify putative novel targets within the UPS for potential therapeutic intervention. Because of the heterogenous manifestations of scleroderma, we will primarily focus on conserved mechanisms that are involved in the development of lung scleroderma phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Meiners
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich (CPC-M), Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.
| | - John Evankovich
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rama K Mallampalli
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Medical Specialty Service Line, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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43
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Laurent P, Sisirak V, Lazaro E, Richez C, Duffau P, Blanco P, Truchetet ME, Contin-Bordes C. Innate Immunity in Systemic Sclerosis Fibrosis: Recent Advances. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1702. [PMID: 30083163 PMCID: PMC6064727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by three interconnected hallmarks (i) vasculopathy, (ii) aberrant immune activation, and (iii) fibroblast dysfunction leading to extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis. Blocking or reversing the fibrotic process associated with this devastating disease is still an unmet clinical need. Although various components of innate immunity, including macrophages and type I interferon, have long been implicated in SSc, the precise mechanisms that regulate the global innate immune contribution to SSc pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Recent studies have identified new innate immune players, such as pathogen-recognition receptors, platelet-derived danger-associated molecular patterns, innate lymphoid cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the pathophysiology of SSc, including vasculopathy and fibrosis. In this review, we describe the evidence demonstrating the importance of innate immune processes during SSc development with particular emphasis on their role in the initiation of pathology. We also discuss potential therapeutic options to modulate innate immune cells or signaling in SSc that are emerging from these recent advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paoline Laurent
- CNRS-UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vanja Sisirak
- CNRS-UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Estibaliz Lazaro
- CNRS-UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.,Internal Medicine Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christophe Richez
- CNRS-UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.,Rheumatology Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Duffau
- CNRS-UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.,Internal Medicine Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Blanco
- CNRS-UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.,Immunology and Immunogenetic Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- CNRS-UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.,Rheumatology Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cécile Contin-Bordes
- CNRS-UMR 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.,Immunology and Immunogenetic Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
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44
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Rosato E, Gigante A, Barbano B, Gasperini ML, Cianci R, Muscaritoli M. Prognostic Factors of Renal Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis. Kidney Blood Press Res 2018; 43:682-689. [PMID: 29763902 DOI: 10.1159/000489740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Renal involvement is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc), including asymptomatic reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), increased renal resistance indices, scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) and ANCA-associated vasculitis. The aim was to evaluate type and evolution of renal involvement for a period of five years. METHODS 121 SSc patients (100 F, 21 M) with mean age of 54.9 ± 13.8, disease duration of 9 ± 6 years, of which 62 had a diffused form and 59 limited form were enrolled. All patients were screened annually for renal function by laboratory examination, ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound of renal arteries. RESULTS Over the five-year observation period, 6 SRC (3 M, 3 F) occurred, four of which required dialysis. One patient developed ANCA-related proliferative glomerulonephritis and the other one acute tubular necrosis. The remaining 113 patients had a preserved renal function (serum creatinine 0.75 ± 0.24 mg/dl, GFR 93.8 ± 20 ml/min, 24h proteinuria 0.20 ± 0.15 g). Doppler indices of intrarenal arterial stiffness increased with progression of capillaroscopic damage and with presence of digital ulcers. A negative correlation was observed between estimated GFR and pulsatile index (p< 0,05, r=-0.198), resistive index(p< 0,01, r=0.267), S/D ratio (p< 0,01, r=-0.237). CONCLUSION In SSc patients, renal function was normal for 4.1 years despite the presence of increased intrarenal arterial stiffness. SRC was observed in 4.9% of SSc patients. In SSc patients, a periodic follow-up based on clinical and laboratory evaluation, colorDoppler ultrasound and, in some cases, renal biopsy is required to evaluate renal involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Clinical Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Clinical Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy,
| | - Biagio Barbano
- Department of Clinical Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Cianci
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muscaritoli
- Department of Clinical Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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45
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Stawski L, Marden G, Trojanowska M. The Activation of Human Dermal Microvascular Cells by Poly(I:C), Lipopolysaccharide, Imiquimod, and ODN2395 Is Mediated by the Fli1/FOXO3A Pathway. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 200:248-259. [PMID: 29141862 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction has been associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; however, the factors contributing to this dysfunction have not been fully explored. Because activation of TLRs has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, the goal of this study was to determine the effects of TLR ligands on EC function. Human dermal microvascular ECs (HDMECs) treated with TLR3 [Poly(I:C)], TLR4 (LPS), and TLR7 (imiquimod) agonists showed decreased proliferation and a reduced total number of branching tubules in three-dimensional human dermal organoid ex vivo culture. In contrast, the TLR9 ligand class C, ODN2395, increased angiogenesis. The antiproliferative effects of TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 ligands correlated with significant downregulation of a key regulator of vascular homeostasis, Fli1, whereas TLR9 increased Fli1 levels. Furthermore, Poly(I:C) and LPS induced endothelial to mesenchymal transition that was reversed by the pretreatment with TGF-β neutralizing Ab or re-expression of Fli1. We showed that Fli1 was required for the HDMEC proliferation by transcriptionally repressing FOXO3A. In contrast to TLR9, which suppressed activation of the FOXO3A pathway, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 ligands activated FOXO3A as indicated by decreased phosphorylation and increased nuclear accumulation. The inverse correlation between Fli1 and FOXO3A was also observed in the vasculature of scleroderma patients. This work revealed opposing effects of TLR9 and TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 on the key angiogenic pathways, Fli1 and FOXO3A. Our results provide a mechanistic insight into the regulation of angiogenesis by TLRs and confirm a central role of Fli1 in regulating vascular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Stawski
- Section of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Grace Marden
- Section of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Section of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118
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46
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Ayers NB, Sun CM, Chen SY. Transforming growth factor-β signaling in systemic sclerosis. J Biomed Res 2017; 32:3-12. [PMID: 29353817 PMCID: PMC5956255 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.31.20170034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, multiorgan autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Manifestation of the disease results from an interaction of three key pathologic features including irregularities of the antigen-specific immune system and the non-specific immune system, resulting in autoantibody production, vascular endothelial activation of small blood vessels, and tissue fibrosis as a result of fibroblast dysfunction. Given the heterogeneity of clinical presentation of the disease, a lack of universal models has impeded adequate testing of potential therapies for SSc. Regardless, recent research has elucidated the roles of various ubiquitous molecular mechanisms that contribute to the clinical manifestation of the disease. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been identified as a regulator of pathological fibrogenesis in SSc. Various processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and extracellular matrix synthesis are regulated by TGF-β, a type of cytokine secreted by macrophages and many other cell types. Understanding the essential role TGF-β pathways play in the pathology of systemic sclerosis could provide a potential outlet for treatment and a better understanding of this severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan B Ayers
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chen-Ming Sun
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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47
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Alcocer-Gómez E, Castejón-Vega B, Cordero MD. Stress-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human Diseases. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2017; 108:127-162. [PMID: 28427559 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a complex event that induces disturbances to physiological and psychological homeostasis, and it may have a detrimental impact on certain brain and physiological functions. In the last years, a dual role of the stress effect has been studied in order to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which can induce physiological symptoms after psychological stress exposition and vice versa. In this sense, inflammation has been proposed as an important starring. And in the same line, the inflammasome complex has emerged to give responses because of its role of stress sensor. The implication of the same complex, NLRP3 inflammasome, in different diseases such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, psychiatric, and metabolic diseases opens a door to develop new therapeutic perspectives.
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48
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Fallahi P, Ruffilli I, Giuggioli D, Colaci M, Ferrari SM, Antonelli A, Ferri C. Associations between Systemic Sclerosis and Thyroid Diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:266. [PMID: 29042859 PMCID: PMC5632355 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have reviewed scientific literature about the association of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and thyroid disorders. A high incidence, and prevalence, of new cases of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) and/or hypothyroidism have been shown in sclerodermic patients (overall in the female gender). An association among a Th1 immune-predominance, low vitamin D levels, and AT have been also shown in SSc patients. Cases of Graves' disease (GD) have been described in SSc patients, too, according with the higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity. It has been also shown a higher prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), in association with AT, in SSc patients. However, in order to confirm results about GD and thyroid cancer, studies in larger number of patients with SSc are needed. During the follow-up of SSc patients it would be appropriate to monitor carefully their thyroid status. The abovementioned data strongly suggest a periodic thyroid function follow-up in female SSc patients [showing a borderline high (although in the normal range) thyroid-stimulating hormone level, antithyroid peroxidase antibody positivity, and a small thyroid with a hypoechoic pattern], and, when necessary, appropriate treatments. In conclusion, most of the studies show an association among SSc, AT, and hypothyroidism, such as an increased prevalence of TC overall in SSc patients with AT. Only few cases of GD have been also described in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Poupak Fallahi,
| | - Ilaria Ruffilli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Maternal, Pediatric and Adult Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Colaci
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Maternal, Pediatric and Adult Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clodoveo Ferri
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Maternal, Pediatric and Adult Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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