Circulating extracellular vesicles in the context of interstitial lung disease related to systemic sclerosis: A scoping literature review

Advancing understanding of autoimmune disease-related interstitial lung disease (AD-ILD): A global perspective on research focus and future directions

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD), also known as autoimmune disease-associated ILD (AD-ILD), is a common complication of autoimmune diseases. Its rapid progression and worsening pulmonary fibrosis significantly increase the risk of mortality, leading to poor prognosis. Despite the considerable body of research in this field, there is a lack of bibliometric studies to address global research trends, key hotspots, and future directions.

METHODS

This study employed bibliometric methods to analyze 6456 publications related to this field from 1980 to 2024, using data extracted from the Web of Science (WOS) database. Visualization was conducted using tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the bibliometrix R package.

RESULTS

The analysis encompassed contributions from 102 countries, 5957 institutions, and 25,003 researchers, published across 951 journals. Research output has surged since 2018, highlighting increased scholarly attention to the field. The United States produced the largest number of publications, with Mayo Clinic identified as the most prolific institution. The analysis revealed that Rheumatology and Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases had the highest publication volume and co-citation counts in the field, respectively. Dinesh Khanna was identified as the most prolific author, while V.D. Steen emerged as the most highly co-cited author. Keyword analysis highlighted that current AD-ILD research primarily focuses on optimizing diagnostic tools for specific autoimmune diseases, analyzing pathological types and risk factors, and exploring biomarkers and precision therapies. Thematic mapping underscored the need for future research to focus on AD-ILD mechanisms, specific antibodies, diagnostic markers, personalized treatments, and prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of AD-ILD-related publications, uncovering global research trends and current hotspots while offering robust guidance for future research directions.

Exosome-mediated communication between gastric cancer cells and macrophages: implications for tumor microenvironment

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant neoplasm originating from the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa. The pathogenesis of GC is intricately linked to the tumor microenvironment within which the cancer cells reside. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) primarily differentiate from peripheral blood monocytes and can be broadly categorized into M1 and M2 subtypes. M2-type TAMs have been shown to promote tumor growth, tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, they can actively suppress acquired immunity, leading to a poorer prognosis and reduced tolerance to chemotherapy. Exosomes, which contain a myriad of biologically active molecules including lipids, proteins, mRNA, and noncoding RNAs, have emerged as key mediators of communication between tumor cells and TAMs. The exchange of these molecules via exosomes can markedly influence the tumor microenvironment and consequently impact tumor progression. Recent studies have elucidated a correlation between TAMs and various clinicopathological parameters of GC, such as tumor size, differentiation, infiltration depth, lymph node metastasis, and TNM staging, highlighting the pivotal role of TAMs in GC development and metastasis. In this review, we aim to comprehensively examine the bidirectional communication between GC cells and TAMs, the implications of alterations in the tumor microenvironment on immune escape, invasion, and metastasis in GC, targeted therapeutic approaches for GC, and the efficacy of potential GC drug resistance strategies.

Exploring the Utility of Circulating Endothelial Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Markers of Health and Damage of Vasal Endothelium in Systemic Sclerosis Patients Treated with Iloprost

Endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles (eEVs) are released from endothelial cells, signifying endothelial integrity. Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease causing skin and organ fibrosis with early vascular damage. Iloprost, an SSc treatment, might affect eEV release, showing long-term benefits. We aimed to study eEVs in SSc, potentially serving as disease markers and linked to Iloprost's impact on organ involvement. We included 54 SSc patients and 15 healthy donors. Using flow cytometry on platelet-poor plasma (PPP) with specific antibodies (CD144, CD146, AnnexinV), we detected endothelial extracellular vesicles. Results showed fewer eEVs from apoptotic or normal cells in SSc patients than healthy controls. Specifically, patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and lung issues had reduced eEVs from apoptotic endothelial cells (CD146+ AnnV+). No notable differences were seen in CD144 endothelial markers between patients and controls. After 1-day Iloprost infusion, there was an increase in eEVs, but not after 5 days. These findings suggest circulating eEVs reflect endothelial health/damage, crucial in early SSc stages. A 1-day Iloprost infusion seems effective in repairing endothelial damage, critical in scleroderma vasculopathy. Differences in marker outcomes may relate to CD146's surface expression and CD144's junctional location in endothelial cells.