1
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Garzanova LA, Ananyeva LP, Koneva OA, Desinova OV, Starovoytova MN, Ovsyannikova OB, Shayakhmetova RU, Glukhova SI. Safety and Tolerability of Rituximab in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2024; 517:156-165. [PMID: 38861145 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672924700856] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Rituximab (RTX) has been used for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSс) for a long time and has shown good efficacy for skin fibrosis and interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, data on tolerability and long-term adverse events (AEs) during RTX therapy in SSc are insufficient. The objective of this study was to assess the tolerability and safety of RTX in patients with SSс in a long-term prospective follow-up. Our open-label prospective study included 151 SSс patients who received at least one RTX infusion. The mean age of the patients was 47.9 ± 13.4 years; the majority of them were women (83%). The mean disease duration was 6.4 ± 5.8 years. The mean follow-up period after the first RTX infusion was 5.6 ± 2.6 years (845.6 patient-years (PY)). All patients received RTX in addition to ongoing therapy with prednisone and/or immunosuppressants. AEs were assessed and recorded by a doctor in the hospital immediately after RTX infusion and then by patient's reported outcome during the observation period. All causes of death were considered, regardless of treatment. A total of 85 AEs (56%) were registered, the overall incidence of AEs was 10/100 PY (95% confidence interval (CI) 8-12). The highest frequency of all AEs was observed in the first 2-6 months after the first course of RTX, however, these were mainly mild and moderate AEs (71%). The most frequent AEs were infections, they were observed in 40% of cases, with no serious opportunistic infections reported. The overall incidence of all infections was 7.1/100 PY (95% CI 5.5-9), serious infections-1.5/100 PY (95% CI 0.9-2.6). Infusion reactions occurred in 8% of patients. Other AEs were noted in 3% (0.6/100 PY, 95% CI 0.3-1.4). The overall incidence of serious AEs was 18%-3.2/100 PY (95% CI 2.2-4.6). There was a significant decrease of the immunoglobulin G (Ig G) during follow-up; however, its average values remained within normal limits. There were 17 deaths (11%) (2/100 PY, 95% CI 1.3-3.2). In most cases, patients died from the progression of the major organ failure, which arose before RTX treatment. In our study, the safety profile of RTX in SSс was assessed as favorable. It was similar to the AE profile in other autoimmune diseases treated with RTX. With an increase in the cumulative dose of RTX, no increase in AEs was observed. The mortality is comparable to the other severe autoimmune diseases in observational studies. Monitoring of IgG may be useful for patients with SSс on RTX therapy for early detection of the risk of developing infectious complications. RTX could be considered as a relatively safe drug for the complex therapy of SSс when standard therapy is ineffective or impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Garzanova
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia.
| | - L P Ananyeva
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - O A Koneva
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Desinova
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | - S I Glukhova
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
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2
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Apostolo D, D’Onghia D, Nerviani A, Ghirardi GM, Sola D, Perazzi M, Tonello S, Colangelo D, Sainaghi PP, Bellan M. Could Gas6/TAM Axis Provide Valuable Insights into the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis? Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7486-7504. [PMID: 39057085 PMCID: PMC11275301 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070444] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by microvascular injury, extracellular matrix deposition, autoimmunity, inflammation, and fibrosis. The clinical complexity and high heterogeneity of the disease make the discovery of potential therapeutic targets difficult. However, the recent progress in the comprehension of its pathogenesis is encouraging. Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6) and Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) receptors are involved in multiple biological processes, including modulation of the immune response, phagocytosis, apoptosis, fibrosis, inflammation, cancer development, and autoimmune disorders. In the present manuscript, we review the current evidence regarding SSc pathogenesis and the role of the Gas6/TAM system in several human diseases, suggesting its likely contribution in SSc and highlighting areas where further research is necessary to fully comprehend the role of TAM receptors in this condition. Indeed, understanding the involvement of TAM receptors in SSc, which is currently unknown, could provide valuable insights for novel potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Apostolo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (D.D.); (D.S.); (M.P.); (S.T.); (P.P.S.); (M.B.)
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Davide D’Onghia
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (D.D.); (D.S.); (M.P.); (S.T.); (P.P.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Alessandra Nerviani
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Giulia Maria Ghirardi
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Daniele Sola
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (D.D.); (D.S.); (M.P.); (S.T.); (P.P.S.); (M.B.)
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, UO General Medicine, 28824 Oggebbio, Italy
| | - Mattia Perazzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (D.D.); (D.S.); (M.P.); (S.T.); (P.P.S.); (M.B.)
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, A.O.U. Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Stelvio Tonello
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (D.D.); (D.S.); (M.P.); (S.T.); (P.P.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Donato Colangelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Pharmacology, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Pier Paolo Sainaghi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (D.D.); (D.S.); (M.P.); (S.T.); (P.P.S.); (M.B.)
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, A.O.U. Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (D.D.); (D.S.); (M.P.); (S.T.); (P.P.S.); (M.B.)
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, A.O.U. Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
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3
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Fedorchenko Y, Zimba O, Yatsyshyn R, Doskaliuk B, Zaiats L, Fedorchenko M. The interplay between rheumatic diseases and pulmonary health. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1179-1184. [PMID: 38509351 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05565-w] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) are prone to a number of comorbidities, particularly those affecting the respiratory system due to inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and inflammatory idiopathic myopathies (IIMs) often present with progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). The prevalence of ILD varies among patients with RDs, with 11% in RA, 47% in SSc, and 41% in IIMs. Some diagnostic markers, including KL-6, cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and autoantibodies (anti-CCP), play a crucial role in assessing and predicting the course of pulmonary involvement in RDs. Lung fibrosis is a progressive disorder in SSc and RA, limiting the effiency of therapeutic interventions. Re-evaluating treatment approaches with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is crucial for understanding their impact on the risk of lung affections. Despite initial concerns surrounding methotrexate, recent evidence points to its benefits in RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Recognizing the intricate relationship between autoimmune RDs and lung affections is crucial for formulating effective treatment strategies. Emphasis is placed on collaborative efforts of rheumatologists and pulmonologists for early diagnosis, comprehensive care, and optimal patient outcomes in RA-ILD.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/complications
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/epidemiology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology
- Comorbidity
- Lung/physiopathology
- Lung/immunology
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/epidemiology
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/diagnosis
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/drug therapy
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/immunology
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/etiology
- Rheumatic Diseases/drug therapy
- Rheumatic Diseases/complications
- Rheumatic Diseases/immunology
- Rheumatic Diseases/epidemiology
- Scleroderma, Systemic/complications
- Scleroderma, Systemic/drug therapy
- Scleroderma, Systemic/epidemiology
- Scleroderma, Systemic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Fedorchenko
- Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76018, Ukraine.
| | - Olena Zimba
- Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Roman Yatsyshyn
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Bohdana Doskaliuk
- Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76018, Ukraine
| | - Liubomyr Zaiats
- Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76018, Ukraine
| | - Mykhailo Fedorchenko
- Department of Internal Medicine # 2 and nursing, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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Condorelli AG, Nobili R, Muglia A, Scarpelli G, Marzuolo E, De Stefanis C, Rota R, Diociaiuti A, Alaggio R, Castiglia D, Odorisio T, El Hachem M, Zambruno G. Gamma-Secretase Inhibitors Downregulate the Profibrotic NOTCH Signaling Pathway in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1522-1533.e10. [PMID: 38237731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in COL7A1. RDEB is hallmarked by trauma-induced unremitting blistering, chronic wounds with inflammation, and progressive fibrosis, leading to severe disease complications. There is currently no cure for RDEB-associated fibrosis. Our previous studies and increasing evidence highlighted the profibrotic role of NOTCH pathway in different skin disorders, including RDEB. In this study, we further investigated the role of NOTCH signaling in RDEB pathogenesis and explored the effects of its inhibition by γ-secretase inhibitors DAPT and PF-03084014 (nirogacestat). Our analyses demonstrated that JAG1 and cleaved NOTCH1 are upregulated in primary RDEB fibroblasts (ie, RDEB-derived fibroblasts) compared with controls, and their protein levels are further increased by TGF-β1 stimulation. Functional assays unveiled the involvement of JAG1/NOTCH1 axis in RDEB fibrosis and demonstrated that its blockade counteracts a variety of fibrotic traits. In particular, RDEB-derived fibroblasts treated with PF-03084014 showed (i) a significant reduction of contractility, (ii) a diminished secretion of TGF-β1 and collagens, and (iii) the downregulation of several fibrotic proteins. Although less marked than PF-03084014-treated cells, RDEB-derived fibroblasts exhibited a reduction of fibrotic traits also upon DAPT treatment. This study provides potential therapeutic strategies to antagonize RDEB fibrosis onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Giuseppe Condorelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rebecca Nobili
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anita Muglia
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scarpelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marzuolo
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Diociaiuti
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit and Predictive Molecular Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Odorisio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - May El Hachem
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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5
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Look-Why S, Goldberg J, Alexanian C, Rogers N, Coleman NN, Lenzy YM, Pinos E, Goldberg LJ. Quantification of mast cells in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. JAAD Int 2024; 15:38-43. [PMID: 38371672 PMCID: PMC10869920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2023.11.008] [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] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mast cells (MCs) have recently been implicated in lymphocytic scarring alopecias, which may share a common pathogenesis. MCs in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) have not been studied. Objective We looked for the presence of MCs in CCCA using 2 different stains to see if their numbers correlated with the number of hair follicles, the degree of inflammation and perifollicular fibrosis, disease duration and severity, and patient symptoms. Methods We performed a retrospective review of biopsies of patients diagnosed with CCCA, tabulated MC counts and correlated them with histopathologic and clinical findings. Results MC counts were significantly greater using immunoperoxidase staining with CD117 than Giemsa stain, and more were present when the isthmus level was included with the infundibulum. MC counts with CD117 immunostain significantly correlated with the degree of inflammation. MC counts with both stains were significantly associated with the degree of fibrosis independently and after controlling for other factors. Limitations The study was limited by insufficient tissue remaining in a small number of the transversely cut blocks. Conclusion Our findings may have therapeutic implications for CCCA and other types of lymphocytic scarring alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Look-Why
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Claire Alexanian
- Department of Dermatology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicole Rogers
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Nikita N.M. Coleman
- International University of the Health Sciences, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Yolanda M. Lenzy
- Lenzy Dermatology, Chicopee, Massachusetts
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Eric Pinos
- Lenzy Dermatology, Chicopee, Massachusetts
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Lynne J. Goldberg
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Dermatology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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6
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Lee B, Roh JS, Jeong H, Kim Y, Lee J, Yun C, Park J, Kim DS, Lee J, So MW, Kim A, Sohn DH, Lee SG. Ginkgo biloba extract ameliorates skin fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced mouse model of systemic sclerosis. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:152-160. [PMID: 38645438 PMCID: PMC11028018 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2337761] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by skin and internal organ fibrosis and obliterative vasculopathy. Few effective treatments are currently available for fibrosis in SSc, therefore, demand persists for novel therapies. Although use of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been reported to improve blood circulation and alleviate liver and lung fibrosis, its effect on skin fibrosis in SSc remains unclear. In this study, the effects and underlying mechanisms of GBE on skin fibrosis in bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model of SSc was investigated. GBE significantly reduced dermal thickness and protein levels of profibrotic factors in the BLM-induced SSc mouse model. Moreover, GBE inhibited the gene expression of profibrotic factors, such as COL1A1, α-SMA, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), in fibroblasts by suppressing transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling. Furthermore, GBE inhibited the transdifferentiation of adipocytes into myofibroblasts. Thus, our findings suggest that GBE is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beomgu Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Roh
- Department of Herbal Prescription, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoim Jeong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yerin Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyeon Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Changun Yun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-sol Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungsoo Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Wook So
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Aran Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sohn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Geun Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
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7
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Gong P, Ding Y, Li W, Yang J, Su X, Tian R, Zhou Y, Wang T, Jiang J, Liu R, Fang J, Feng C, Shao C, Shi Y, Li P. Neutrophil-Driven M2-Like Macrophages Are Critical for Skin Fibrosis in a Systemic Sclerosis Model. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00274-4. [PMID: 38580106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.031] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a challenging autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis affecting the skin and internal organs. Despite the known infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, their precise contributions to SSc pathogenesis remain elusive. In this study, we elucidated that CD206hiMHCIIlo M2-like macrophages constitute the predominant pathogenic immune cell population in the fibrotic skin of a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model. These cells emerged as pivotal contributors to the profibrotic response by orchestrating the production of TGF-β1 through a MerTK signaling-dependent manner. Notably, we observed that neutrophil infiltration was a prerequisite for accumulation of M2-like macrophages. Strategies such as neutrophil depletion or inhibition of CXCR1/2 were proven effective in reducing M2-like macrophages, subsequently mitigating SSc progression. Detailed investigations revealed that in fibrotic skin, neutrophil-released neutrophil extracellular traps were responsible for the differentiation of M2-like macrophages. Our findings illuminate the significant involvement of the neutrophil-macrophage-fibrosis axis in SSc pathogenesis, offering critical information for the development of potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pixia Gong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yayun Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiao Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruifeng Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yipeng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Rui Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chao Feng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Peishan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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8
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Frasca L, Mennella A, Palazzo R. New, Old, and Shared Antibody Specificities in Autoimmune Diseases. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:23. [PMID: 38534212 DOI: 10.3390/antib13010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies represent a primary characteristic of many systemic autoimmune diseases [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Frasca
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Mennella
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Palazzo
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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O'Reilly S. S100A4 a classical DAMP as a therapeutic target in fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2024; 127:1-7. [PMID: 38219976 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.01.002] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis regardless of aetiology is characterised by persistently activated myofibroblasts that are contractile and secrete excessive amounts of extracellular matrix molecules that leads to loss of organ function. Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous host-derived molecules that are released from cells dying or under stress that can be triggered by a variety of insults, either chemical or physical, leading to an inflammatory response. Among these DAMPs is S100A4, part of the S100 family of calcium binding proteins that participate in a variety of cellular processes. S100A4 was first described in context of cancer as a pro-metastatic factor. It is now appreciated that aside from its role in cancer promotion, S100A4 is intimately involved in tissue fibrosis. The extracellular form of S100A4 exerts its effects through multiple receptors including Toll-Like Receptor 4 and RAGE to evoke signalling cascades involving downstream mediators facilitating extracellular matrix deposition and myofibroblast generation and can play a role in persistent activation of myofibroblasts. S100A4 may be best understood as an amplifier of inflammatory and fibrotic processes. S100A4 appears critical in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis and blocking the extracellular form of S100A4 in vivo in various animal models of disease mitigates fibrosis and may even reverse established disease. This review appraises S100A4's position as a DAMP and its role in fibrotic conditions and highlight therapeutically targeting this protein to halt fibrosis, suggesting that it is a tractable target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, United Kingdom.
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10
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Jiang Z, Yao X, Lan W, Tang F, Ma W, Yao X, Chen C, Cai X. Associations of the circulating levels of cytokines with risk of systemic sclerosis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomized study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1330560. [PMID: 38482004 PMCID: PMC10933062 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1330560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic sclerosis(SSc) remains unclear, studies suggest that inflammation may be linked to its pathogenesis. Hence, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the association between cytokine and growth factor cycling levels and the risk of SSc onset. Methods In our study, the instrumental variables(IVs) for circulating cytokines were sourced from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset of 8293 Finnish individuals. The SSc data comprised 302 cases and 213145 controls, and was included in the GWAS dataset. We employed four methods for the MR analysis: MR Egger, Inverse variance weighted (IVW), Weighted medium, and Weighted Mode, with IVW being the primary analytical method. Sensitivity analyses were performed using heterogeneity testing, horizontal pleiotropy testing, and the Leave One Out (LOO) method. We also conducted a reverse MR analysis to determine any reverse causal relationship between SSc and circulating cytokines. Results After Bonferroni correction, MR analysis revealed that the Interleukin-5 (IL-5) cycle level was associated with a reduced risk of SSc [odds ratio (OR)=0.48,95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27-0.84, P=0.01]. It also indicated that the Stem cell growth factor beta (SCGF-β) cycling level might elevate the risk of SSc (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01-1.83, P = 0.04). However, the reverse MR analysis did not establish a causal relationship between SSc and circulating cytokine levels. Additionally, sensitivity analysis outcomes affirm the reliability of our results. Conclusion Our MR study suggests potential causal relationships between IL-5, SCGF-β, and the risk of SSc. Further research is essential to determine how IL-5 and SCGF-β influence the development of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong Jiang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaoling Yao
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Weiya Lan
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Wukai Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Xueming Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Changming Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First People’s Hospital Of Guiyang, Guiyang, China
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11
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Binda M, Moccaldi B, Civieri G, Cuberli A, Doria A, Tona F, Zanatta E. Autoantibodies Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Pathogenetic, Clinical and Therapeutic Implications in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2299. [PMID: 38396976 PMCID: PMC10889602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042299] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multifaceted connective tissue disease whose aetiology remains largely unknown. Autoimmunity is thought to play a pivotal role in the development of the disease, but the direct pathogenic role of SSc-specific autoantibodies remains to be established. The recent discovery of functional antibodies targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), whose presence has been demonstrated in different autoimmune conditions, has shed some light on SSc pathogenesis. These antibodies bind to GPCRs expressed on immune and non-immune cells as their endogenous ligands, exerting either a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on corresponding intracellular pathways. Growing evidence suggests that, in SSc, the presence of anti-GPCRs antibodies correlates with specific clinical manifestations. Autoantibodies targeting endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) are associated with severe vasculopathic SSc-related manifestations, while anti-C-X-C motif chemokine receptors (CXCR) antibodies seem to be predictive of interstitial lung involvement; anti-muscarinic-3 acetylcholine receptor (M3R) antibodies have been found in patients with severe gastrointestinal involvement and anti-protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) antibodies have been detected in patients experiencing scleroderma renal crisis. This review aims to clarify the potential pathogenetic significance of GPCR-targeting autoantibodies in SSc, focusing on their associations with the different clinical manifestations of scleroderma. An extensive examination of functional autoimmunity targeting GPCRs might provide valuable insights into the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of SSc, thus enabling the development of novel therapeutic strategies tailored to target GPCR-mediated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Binda
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Beatrice Moccaldi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Giovanni Civieri
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Cuberli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Francesco Tona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanatta
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.B.)
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12
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de Almeida AR, Dantas AT, de Oliveira Gonçalves ME, Chêne C, Jeljeli M, Chouzenoux S, Thomas M, Cunha EGC, de Azevedo Valadares LD, de Melo Gomes JV, de Paula SKS, da Rocha Pitta MG, da Rocha Pitta I, de Melo Rêgo MJB, Pereira MC, Duarte ALBP, Abdalla DSP, Nicco C, Batteux F, da Rocha Pitta MG. PPARγ partial agonist LPSF/GQ-16 prevents dermal and pulmonary fibrosis in HOCl-induced systemic sclerosis (SSc) and modulates cytokine production in PBMC of SSc patients. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:433-446. [PMID: 37477795 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01296-9] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are synthetic molecules that have a range of biological effects, including antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory, and they may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and antifibrotic properties of LPSF/GQ-16, a TZD derivative, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SSc patients and in a murine model of SSc HOCl-induced. The PBMC of 20 SSc patients were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and treated with LPSF/GQ-16 for 48 h, later cytokines in the culture supernatants were quantified by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or cytometric bead array (CBA). Experimental SSc was induced by intradermal injections of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for 6 weeks. HOCl-induced SSc mice received daily treatment with LPSF/GQ-16 (30 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal injections during the same period. Immunological parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA, and dermal and pulmonary fibrosis were evaluated by RT-qPCR, hydroxyproline dosage and histopathological analysis. In PBMC cultures, it was possible to observe that LPSF/GQ-16 modulated the secretion of cytokines IL-2 (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-17A (p = 0.006), TNF (p < 0.001) and IFN-γ (p < 0.001). In addition, treatment with LPSF/GQ-16 in HOCl-induced SSc mice promoted a significant reduction in dermal thickening (p < 0.001), in the accumulation of collagen in the skin (p < 0.001), down-regulated the expression of fibrosis markers in the skin (Col1a1, α-Sma and Tgfβ1, p < 0.001 for all) and lungs (Il4 and Il13, p < 0.001 for both), as well as reduced activation of CD4 + T cells (p < 0.001), B cells (p < 0.001) and M2 macrophages (p < 0.001). In conclusion, LPSF/GQ-16 showed immunomodulatory and antifibrotic properties, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of this molecule for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Rodrigues de Almeida
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino (NUPIT SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil
- Département 3I, Infection, Immunité et Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Andréa Tavares Dantas
- Serviço de Reumatologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda de Oliveira Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino (NUPIT SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Charlotte Chêne
- Département 3I, Infection, Immunité et Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Jeljeli
- Département 3I, Infection, Immunité et Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Chouzenoux
- Département 3I, Infection, Immunité et Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marine Thomas
- Département 3I, Infection, Immunité et Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Eudes Gustavo Constantino Cunha
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino (NUPIT SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - João Victor de Melo Gomes
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino (NUPIT SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Simão Kalebe Silva de Paula
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino (NUPIT SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Marina Galdino da Rocha Pitta
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Síntese de Fármacos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ivan da Rocha Pitta
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Síntese de Fármacos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rêgo
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino (NUPIT SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Michelly Cristiny Pereira
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino (NUPIT SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil.
| | | | - Dulcineia Saes Parra Abdalla
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carole Nicco
- Département 3I, Infection, Immunité et Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Batteux
- Département 3I, Infection, Immunité et Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino (NUPIT SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, CEP: 50670-901, Brazil
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Mahla RS. Extracellular vesicle pathogenic cues in systemic sclerosis: comment on the article by Mouawad et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:148-149. [PMID: 37651269 DOI: 10.1002/art.42684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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14
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O'Reilly S. Interleukin-11 and its eminent role in tissue fibrosis: a possible therapeutic target. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:154-161. [PMID: 37724596 PMCID: PMC10714194 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad108] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-11 is a cytokine from the IL-6 family of cytokines that includes IL-6 and oncostatin-M. Initially described for its role in platelet generation, it is now appreciated that this cytokine has multiple functions. Recently it has been found that IL-11 is critical in fibrosis in multiple different organ systems and systemically as in the autoimmune disease systemic sclerosis. Animal models of fibrosis have determined that animals with IL-11 receptor deletions have retarded fibrosis and that in wild-type animals IL-11 is found at the organ of fibrosis. Recent evidence suggests that IL-11 may be a master regulator of fibrosis regardless of end target organ. With the development of neutralizing antibodies targeting the cytokine in pre-clinical models this could be a possible therapeutic, in a disease in which no specific therapies exist. This review appraises the evidence of the role of IL-11 in tissue fibrosis, its signalling properties, and therapeutic targeting. The review ends with an appraisal of indications for which IL-11 modulation is targeted.
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15
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Leask A, Naik A, Stratton RJ. Back to the future: targeting the extracellular matrix to treat systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:713-723. [PMID: 37789119 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01032-1] [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: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the excessive deposition of a stable extracellular matrix (ECM); fibrotic tissue is composed principally of highly crosslinked type I collagen and highly contractile myofibroblasts. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis. The fibrotic process has been recognized in SSc for >40 years, but drugs with demonstrable efficacy against SSc fibrosis in ameliorating the lung involvement have only recently been identified. Unfortunately, these treatments are ineffective at improving the skin score in patients with SSc. Previous clinical trials in SSc have largely focused on the cross-purposing of anti-inflammatory drugs and the use of immunosuppressive drugs from the transplantation field, which address inflammatory and/or autoimmune processes. Limited examination has taken place of specific anti-fibrotic agents developed through their ability to directly target the ECM in SSc by, for example, alleviating the persistent matrix stiffness and mechanotransduction that might be required for both the initiation and maintenance of fibrosis, including in SSc. However, because of the importance of the ECM in the SSc phenotype, attempts have now been made to identify drugs that specifically target the ECM, including some drugs that are currently under consideration for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
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Cao D, Zheng J, Li Z, Yu Y, Chen Z, Wang Q. ACSL4 inhibition prevents macrophage ferroptosis and alleviates fibrosis in bleomycin-induced systemic sclerosis model. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:212. [PMID: 37884942 PMCID: PMC10601156 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03190-9] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc), with unclear pathophysiology, is a paradigmatic rheumatic disease of immunity dysfunction-driven multi-organ inflammation and ultimate fibrosis. Pathogenesis breakthroughs are urgently needed for available treatments halting its unremitting stiffness. This study aims to investigate whether ferroptosis can regulate the progressive SSc fibrosis. METHODS In vivo, bleomycin (BLM)-induced mice model was subjected to ferroptosis detection using western blotting, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) assays. Pharmacological inhibitor of the acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) was utilized to explore its potential therapeutic effects for fibrosis, from histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. In vitro, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were activated into inflammatory phenotype and then the relationship was evaluated between activation level and ferroptosis sensitivity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) incubation with gradient concentrations. The potential calpain/ACSL4 axis was analyzed after calpain knockdown or over-expression in Raw264.7. RESULTS Both skin and lung tissue ferroptosis were present in SSc mice with enhanced ACSL4 expression, while ACSL4 inhibition effectively halted fibrosis progressing and provides protection from inflammatory milieu. Meanwhile, a positive regulation relationship between LPS-induced macrophage activity and ferroptosis sensitivity can be observed. After calpain knockdown, both inflammatory macrophage ferroptosis sensitivity and ACSL4 expression decreased, while its over-expression renders ACSL4-envoking condition. Also, calpain pharmacological inhibition reduced both ferroptosis and fibrosis aptitude in mice. CONCLUSIONS ACSL4 induces inflammatory macrophage ferroptosis to aggravate fibrosis progressing. ACSL4 and its upregulators of calpains may be potential therapeutic targets for BLM model of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianyu Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jina Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Li
- Laboratory Animal Division, Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zengrui Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Yuhuan People's Hospital, No. 18 Changle Road, Yucheng Street, Yuhuan City, Zhejiang, 317600, P.R. China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China.
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Xiang Y, Zhang M, Jiang D, Su Q, Shi J. The role of inflammation in autoimmune disease: a therapeutic target. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267091. [PMID: 37859999 PMCID: PMC10584158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are immune disorders whose incidence and prevalence are increasing year by year. AIDs are produced by the immune system's misidentification of self-antigens, seemingly caused by excessive immune function, but in fact they are the result of reduced accuracy due to the decline in immune system function, which cannot clearly identify foreign invaders and self-antigens, thus issuing false attacks, and eventually leading to disease. The occurrence of AIDs is often accompanied by the emergence of inflammation, and inflammatory mediators (inflammatory factors, inflammasomes) play an important role in the pathogenesis of AIDs, which mediate the immune process by affecting innate cells (such as macrophages) and adaptive cells (such as T and B cells), and ultimately promote the occurrence of autoimmune responses, so targeting inflammatory mediators/pathways is one of emerging the treatment strategies of AIDs. This review will briefly describe the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of different AIDs, and give a rough introduction to inhibitors targeting inflammatory factors, hoping to have reference significance for subsequent treatment options for AIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingxue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Die Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Su
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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18
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Jung S, Gavriiloglou M, Séverac F, Haumesser L, Sayeh A, Chatelus E, Martin T, Huck O. Influence of systemic sclerosis on periodontal health: A case-control study. J Clin Periodontol 2023; 50:1348-1359. [PMID: 37431838 DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) present various clinical and radiological oral manifestations. However, precise evaluation of the oral features associated with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the periodontal ligament (PDL) surface in SSc patients in comparison with controls. Assessment of oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the levels of different biomarkers in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS SSc patients and matched controls underwent standardized oral examination and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4 (CXCL-4) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the GCF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PDL surface was measured on CBCT axial views. OHRQoL was quantified using the Mouth Handicap in SSc Scale (MHISS). RESULTS Thirty-nine SSc patients and 39 controls were included. SSc patients exhibited increased PDL surface, higher number of missing teeth as well as elevated IL-6, MMP-9 and CXCL-4 levels. Reduced mouth opening was observed in dcSSc but not in lcSSc patients. MHISS score was higher in dcSSc than in lcSSc patients. Although worse periodontal parameters were found in both subgroups compared with controls, dcSSc patients presented lower gingival inflammation. CONCLUSIONS SSc is associated with PDL space widening, impaired oral health and OHRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Jung
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire Robert Frank, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et de Chirurgie bucco-dentaires, Centre de Référence des maladies rares orales et dentaires (O-Rares), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM UMR_S 1109 "Molecular ImmunoRheumatology", Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), LabEx TRANSPLANTEX, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marianna Gavriiloglou
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire Robert Frank, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Parodontologie, Pôle de Médecine et de Chirurgie bucco-dentaires, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - François Séverac
- Groupe Méthodes en Recherche Clinique (GMRC), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucille Haumesser
- Groupe Méthodes en Recherche Clinique (GMRC), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amira Sayeh
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Radiologie, Pôle de Médecine et de Chirurgie bucco-dentaires, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Emmanuel Chatelus
- Service de Rhumatologie, Centre de Référence des maladies autoimmunes systémiques rares (RESO), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thierry Martin
- INSERM UMR_S 1109 "Molecular ImmunoRheumatology", Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), LabEx TRANSPLANTEX, Strasbourg, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service d'Immunologie Clinique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares (RESO), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Olivier Huck
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire Robert Frank, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Parodontologie, Pôle de Médecine et de Chirurgie bucco-dentaires, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), INSERM UMR 1260 "Regenerative Nanomedicine", Strasbourg, France
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19
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Ko J, Noviani M, Chellamuthu VR, Albani S, Low AHL. The Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: The Origin of Fibrosis and Interlink with Vasculopathy and Autoimmunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14287. [PMID: 37762589 PMCID: PMC10532389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with increased mortality and poor morbidity, impairing the quality of life in patients. Whilst we know that SSc affects multiple organs via vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis, its exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Microvascular injury and vasculopathy are the initial pathological features of the disease. Clinically, the vasculopathy in SSc is manifested as Raynaud's phenomenon (reversible vasospasm in reaction to the cold or emotional stress) and digital ulcers due to ischemic injury. There are several reports that medications for vasculopathy, such as bosentan and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators, improve not only vasculopathy but also dermal fibrosis, suggesting that vasculopathy is important in SSc. Although vasculopathy is an important initial step of the pathogenesis for SSc, it is still unclear how vasculopathy is related to inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we focused on the clinical evidence for vasculopathy, the major cellular players for the pathogenesis, including pericytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and myofibroblasts, and their signaling pathway to elucidate the relationship among vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsuk Ko
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Maria Noviani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Vasuki Ranjani Chellamuthu
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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20
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Sheng XR, Gao X, Schiffman C, Jiang J, Ramalingam TR, Lin CJF, Khanna D, Neighbors M. Biomarkers of fibrosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix in the phase 3 trial of tocilizumab in systemic sclerosis. Clin Immunol 2023; 254:109695. [PMID: 37479123 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Drug development for systemic sclerosis (SSc) benefits from understanding the relationship between disease and circulating biomarkers to enable activities such as patient stratification and evaluation of therapeutic response. We measured biomarkers in serum from SSc patients from a phase 3 trial of tocilizumab (focuSSced) and compared baseline levels with healthy controls (HCs). Several baseline biomarkers appeared elevated in SSc patients compared to HCs, suggesting activation of epithelial damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Baseline correlations among both periostin/COMP and ECM biomarker subsets implicated their participation in fibroblast activation. Tocilizumab treatment modulated serum biomarkers of macrophage activation, inflammation, and ECM turnover, including collagen formation and degradation neoepitopes. Baseline CRP, periostin, and SP-D showed prognostic trends for worsening lung function, and IL-6, COMP, periostin, and Pro-C3 showed prognostic trends for worsening skin thickness. These prognostic results warrant confirmation in additional patient cohorts to verify their utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Rebecca Sheng
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
| | - Xia Gao
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Jenny Jiang
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Celia J F Lin
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology/Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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21
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Farina N, Campochiaro C, Lescoat A, Benanti G, De Luca G, Khanna D, Dagna L, Matucci-Cerinic M. Drug development and novel therapeutics to ensure a personalized approach in the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1131-1142. [PMID: 37366065 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2230370] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic disease encompassing autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. SSc is still burdened by high mortality and morbidity rates. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of SSc have identified novel potential therapeutic targets. Several clinical trials have been subsequently designed to evaluate the efficacy of a number of new drugs. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with useful information about these novel molecules. AREA COVERED In this narrative review, we summarize the available evidence regarding the most promising targeted therapies currently under investigation for the treatment of SSc. These medications include kinase inhibitors, B-cell depleting agents, and interleukin inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Over the next five years, several new, targeted drugs will be introduced in clinical practice for the treatment of SSc. Such pharmacological agents will expand the existing pharmacopoeia and enable a more personalized and effective approach to patients with SSc. Thus, it will not only possible to target a specific disease domain, but also different stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Farina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - C Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - A Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - G Benanti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - G De Luca
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - D Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - L Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - M Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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22
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Akbarzadeh R, Müller A, Humrich JY, Riemekasten G. When natural antibodies become pathogenic: autoantibodies targeted against G protein-coupled receptors in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1213804. [PMID: 37359516 PMCID: PMC10285309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1213804] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem connective tissue, and autoimmune disease with the highest case-specific mortality and complications among rheumatic diseases. It is characterized by complex and variable features such as autoimmunity and inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis, which pose challenges in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. Among the large variety of autoantibodies (Abs) present in the sera of patients suffering from SSc, functionally active Abs against G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the most abundant integral membrane proteins, have drawn much attention over the last decades. These Abs play an essential role in regulating the immune system, and their functions are dysregulated in diverse pathological conditions. Emerging evidence indicates that functional Abs targeting GPCRs, such as angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and the endothelin-1 type A receptor (ETAR), are altered in SSc. These Abs are part of a network with several GPCR Abs, such as those directed to the chemokine receptors or coagulative thrombin receptors. In this review, we summarize the effects of Abs against GPCRs in SSc pathologies. Extending the knowledge on pathophysiological roles of Abs against GPCRs could provide insights into a better understanding of GPCR contribution to SSc pathogenesis and therefore help in developing potential therapeutic strategies that intervene with pathological functions of these receptors.
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23
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Peng Y, Zhou M, Yang H, Qu R, Qiu Y, Hao J, Bi H, Guo D. Regulatory Mechanism of M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization in the Development of Autoimmune Diseases. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:8821610. [PMID: 37332618 PMCID: PMC10270764 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8821610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells in the organism and can be found in almost tissues and organs. They are highly plastic and heterogeneous cells and can participate in the immune response, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the immune homeostasis of the body. It is well known that undifferentiated macrophages can polarize into classically activated macrophages (M1 macrophages) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) under different microenvironmental conditions. The directions of macrophage polarization can be regulated by a series of factors, including interferon, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin, and noncoding RNAs. To elucidate the role of macrophages in various autoimmune diseases, we searched the literature on macrophages with the PubMed database. Search terms are as follows: macrophages, polarization, signaling pathways, noncoding RNA, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus nephritis, Sjogren's syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. In the present study, we summarize the role of macrophage polarization in common autoimmune diseases. In addition, we also summarize the features and recent advances with a particular focus on the immunotherapeutic potential of macrophage polarization in autoimmune diseases and the potentially effective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Peng
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Mengxian Zhou
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Qingdao Hiser Hospital), Qingdao 266033, China
| | - Ruyi Qu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Yan Qiu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Jiawen Hao
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Hongsheng Bi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases; Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, Medical College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Dadong Guo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases; Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, Medical College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
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24
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Werner G, Sanyal A, Mirizio E, Hutchins T, Tabib T, Lafyatis R, Jacobe H, Torok KS. Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Subclusters with Inflammatory Fibroblast Responses in Localized Scleroderma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9796. [PMID: 37372943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Localized scleroderma (LS) is an autoimmune disease with both inflammatory and fibrotic components causing an abnormal deposition of collagen in the skin and underlying tissue, often leading to disfigurement and disability. Much of its pathophysiology is extrapolated from systemic sclerosis (SSc) since the histopathology findings in the skin are nearly identical. However, LS is critically understudied. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) technology provides a novel way to obtain detailed information at the individual cellular level, overcoming this barrier. Here, we analyzed the affected skin of 14 patients with LS (pediatric and adult) and 14 healthy controls. Fibroblast populations were the focus, since they are the main drivers of fibrosis in SSc. We identified 12 fibroblast subclusters in LS, which overall had an inflammatory gene expression (IFN and HLA-associated genes). A myofibroblast-like cluster (SFRP4/PRSS23) was more prevalent in LS subjects and shared many upregulated genes expressed in SSc-associated myofibroblasts, though it also had strong expression of CXCL9/10/11, known CXCR3 ligands. A CXCL2/IRF1 cluster identified was unique to LS, with a robust inflammatory gene signature, including IL-6, and according to cell communication analysis are influenced by macrophages. In summary, potential disease-propagating fibroblasts and associated gene signatures were identified in LS skin via scRNA seq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giffin Werner
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Anwesha Sanyal
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Emily Mirizio
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Theresa Hutchins
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Heidi Jacobe
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kathryn S Torok
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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25
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Műzes G, Sipos F. CAR-Based Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases: A Novel Powerful Option. Cells 2023; 12:1534. [PMID: 37296654 PMCID: PMC10252902 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The pervasive application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based cellular therapies in the treatment of oncological diseases has long been recognized. However, CAR T cells can target and eliminate autoreactive cells in autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. By doing so, they can contribute to an effective and relatively long-lasting remission. In turn, CAR Treg interventions may have a highly effective and durable immunomodulatory effect via a direct or bystander effect, which may have a positive impact on the course and prognosis of autoimmune diseases. CAR-based cellular techniques have a complex theoretical foundation and are difficult to implement in practice, but they have a remarkable capacity to suppress the destructive functions of the immune system. This article provides an overview of the numerous CAR-based therapeutic options developed for the treatment of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases. We believe that well-designed, rigorously tested cellular therapies could provide a promising new personalized treatment strategy for a significant number of patients with immune-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Györgyi Műzes
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary;
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26
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Dong P, Mei C, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Xu Y, Song L, Yu C. Blocking BAFF Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis in Schistosoma japonicum-Infected Mice. Pathogens 2023; 12:793. [PMID: 37375483 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an immunopathogenic disease characterized by egg granuloma and fibrosis. The hepatic fibrosis of schistosomiasis is caused by the coordinated action of local immune cells, liver-resident cells and related cytokines around the eggs of the liver. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF), expressed in many cells, is an essential factor for promoting the survival, differentiation, and maturation of cells. The overexpression of BAFF is closely related to many autoimmune diseases and fibrosis, but has not been reported to play a role in liver fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis. In the study, we found that, during Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection in mice, the level of BAFF and its receptor BAFF-R progressively increased, then decreased with the extension of infection time, which was consistent with the progression of hepatic granuloma and fibrosis. Anti-BAFF treatment attenuated the histopathological damage in the liver of infected mice. The average areas of individual granulomas and liver fibrosis in anti-BAFF treatment mice were significantly lower than those in control mice, respectively. Anti-BAFF treatment increased the IL-10, decreased IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, TGF-β, and downregulated the antibody level against S. japonicum antigens. These results suggested that BAFF acts a strong player in the immunopathology of schistosomiasis. Anti-BAFF treatment may influence Th2 and Th17 responses, and reduce the inflammatory reaction and fibrosis of schistosomiasis liver egg granuloma. It is suggested that BAFF might be a prospective target for the development of new methods to treat schistosomiasis liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Dong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Congjin Mei
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Yongliang Xu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Lijun Song
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Chuanxin Yu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
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González‐Serna D, Shi C, Kerick M, Hankinson J, Ding J, McGovern A, Tutino M, Villanueva‐Martin G, Ortego‐Centeno N, Callejas JL, Martin J, Orozco G. Identification of Mechanisms by Which Genetic Susceptibility Loci Influence Systemic Sclerosis Risk Using Functional Genomics in Primary T Cells and Monocytes. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:1007-1020. [PMID: 36281738 PMCID: PMC10953390 DOI: 10.1002/art.42396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease with a strong genetic component. However, most of the genes associated with the disease are still unknown because associated variants affect mostly noncoding intergenic elements of the genome. We used functional genomics to translate the genetic findings into a better understanding of the disease. METHODS Promoter capture Hi-C and RNA-sequencing experiments were performed in CD4+ T cells and CD14+ monocytes from 10 SSc patients and 5 healthy controls to link SSc-associated variants with their target genes, followed by differential expression and differential interaction analyses between cell types. RESULTS We linked SSc-associated loci to 39 new potential target genes and confirmed 7 previously known SSc-associated genes. We highlight novel causal genes, such as CXCR5, as the most probable candidate gene for the DDX6 locus. Some previously known SSc-associated genes, such as IRF8, STAT4, and CD247, showed cell type-specific interactions. We also identified 15 potential drug targets already in use in other similar immune-mediated diseases that could be repurposed for SSc treatment. Furthermore, we observed that interactions were directly correlated with the expression of important genes implicated in cell type-specific pathways and found evidence that chromatin conformation is associated with genotype. CONCLUSION Our study revealed potential causal genes for SSc-associated loci, some of them acting in a cell type-specific manner, suggesting novel biologic mechanisms that might mediate SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González‐Serna
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López‐Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN‐CSIC)GranadaSpain
| | - Chenfu Shi
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Martin Kerick
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López‐Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN‐CSIC)GranadaSpain
| | - Jenny Hankinson
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - James Ding
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Amanda McGovern
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Mauro Tutino
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Gonzalo Villanueva‐Martin
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López‐Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN‐CSIC)GranadaSpain
| | - Norberto Ortego‐Centeno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario San CecilioInstitute for Biosanitary Research of Granada (ibs.GRANADA)GranadaSpain
| | - José Luis Callejas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario San CecilioInstitute for Biosanitary Research of Granada (ibs.GRANADA)GranadaSpain
| | - Javier Martin
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López‐Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN‐CSIC)GranadaSpain
| | - Gisela Orozco
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research CentreManchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
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28
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Cuomo G, Iandoli C, Galiero R, Caturano A, Di Vico C, Perretta D, Adamo PV, Ferrara R, Rinaldi L, Romano C, Sasso FC. Liver Involvement in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Role of Transient Elastography in the Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis and Steatosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13101766. [PMID: 37238250 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101766] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, multisystemic disorder of connective tissue characterized by widespread inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and both skin and visceral organ fibrosis. Tissue fibrosis is the final phase of a complex biological process of immune activation and vascular damage. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in SSc patients by transient elastography (TE). Methods Fifty-nine SSc patients fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria were recruited. Clinical and laboratory findings, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), activity index, videocapillaroscopy, echocardiography, and lung function data were analyzed. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured by transient elastography (TE), with 7 kPa used as the cut-off value for significant liver fibrosis. In addition, hepatic steatosis was evaluated by means of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) findings. Specifically, CAP values ≥ 238 ≤ 259 dB/m were considered consistent with mild steatosis (S1), values ≥ 260 ≤ 290 dB/m were compatible with moderate steatosis (S2), and values ≥ 291 dB/m were indicative of severe steatosis (S3). Results The median age of patients was 51 years, with a median disease duration of 6 years. The median LS was 4.5 (2.9-8.3) kPa; 69.5% of patients had no evidence of fibrosis (F0); 27.1% displayed LS values between 5.2 and 7 kPa; and only 3.4% of patients had LS values > 7 kPa (F3). The median CAP value for liver steatosis was 223 dB/m (IQR: 164-343). Overall, 66.1% of patients did not show evidence of steatosis (CAP values < 238 dB/m); 15.2% showed values consistent with mild (S1) steatosis (CAP value ≥ 238 ≤ 259 dB/m); 13.5% had moderate (S2) steatosis (CAP value ≥ 260 ≤ 290 dB/m); and 5.1% were deemed to have severe steatosis (S3) due to CAP values ≥ 291 dB/m. Conclusions Although systemic sclerosis is associated with fibrosis of the skin and several organs, only 3.4% of our patient population showed evidence of marked liver fibrosis, which is the same prevalence as that expected in the general population. Therefore, fibrosis of the liver did not appear to be a significant concern in SSc patients, albeit moderate fibrosis could still be detected in a significant proportion of subjects. A prolonged follow-up may clarify whether liver fibrosis in SSc patients may still progress. Likewise, the prevalence of significant steatosis was low (5.1%) and depended on the same variables associated with fatty liver disease in the general population. TE was shown to be an easy and valuable method for detection and screening of hepatic fibrosis in SSc patients with no additional risk factors for liver disease and may be useful to assess the potential progression of liver fibrosis over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cuomo
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Iandoli
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Galiero
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Caturano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Di Vico
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Perretta
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pier Vincenzo Adamo
- Department of Precision Medicine, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrara
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Romano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Yan Q, Liu B, Wang J, Yin H, Li Q, Lu L. Iguratimod as an alternative therapy for systemic sclerosis and prevention of the occurrence of ischemic digital ulcer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1113408. [PMID: 37215710 PMCID: PMC10196471 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1113408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of iguratimod (IGU) as an alternative treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc), especially in the prevention of ischemic digital ulcers (DUs). Methods We constructed two cohorts from the Renji SSc registry. In the first cohort, SSc patients receiving IGU were observed prospectively with effectiveness and safety. In the second cohort, we picked up all the DU patients with at least a 3-month follow-up to investigate the prevention of IGU on ischemic DU. Results From 2017 to 2021, 182 SSc patients were enrolled in our SSc registry. A total of 23 patients received IGU. With a median follow-up of 61 weeks (IQR: 15-82 weeks), the drug persistence was 13/23. In total, 91.3% of the patients (21/23) became free of deterioration in the last visit with IGU. Of note, 10 patients withdrew from the study due to the following reasons: two patients withdrew due to deterioration, three due to incompliance, and five due to mild-to-moderate side effects. All the patients with side effects recovered fully after stopping IGU. Of note, 11 patients had ischemic DU, and 8 out of 11 (72.7%) patients had no new occurrence of DU during the follow-up. In the second cohort of 31 DU patients receiving a combination of vasoactive agents with a median follow-up of 47 weeks (IQR, 16-107 weeks), IGU treatment was protective of new DU occurrence (adjusted risk ratio = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.05-0.94; adjusted odds ratio = 0.07; and 95% CI, 0.01-0.49). Conclusion Our study for the first time describes the potential of IGU possibly as an alternative treatment for SSc. To our surprise, this study provides a hint that IGU treatment can be used for the prevention of the occurrence of ischemic DU and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingran Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieying Wang
- Clinical Center for Investigation, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanlin Yin
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangjing Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Hu M, Yao Z, Xu L, Peng M, Deng G, Liu L, Jiang X, Cai X. M2 macrophage polarization in systemic sclerosis fibrosis: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic effects. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16206. [PMID: 37234611 PMCID: PMC10208842 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma), is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, and vasculopathy. Preventing fibrosis by targeting aberrant immune cells that drive extracellular matrix (ECM) over-deposition is a promising therapeutic strategy for SSc. Previous research suggests that M2 macrophages play an essential part in the fibrotic process of SSc. Targeted modulation of molecules that influence M2 macrophage polarization, or M2 macrophages, may hinder the progression of fibrosis. Here, in an effort to offer fresh perspectives on the management of scleroderma and fibrotic diseases, we review the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of M2 macrophage polarization in SSc-related organ fibrosis, potential inhibitors targeting M2 macrophages, and the mechanisms by which M2 macrophages participate in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Hu
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Hospital and Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Zhongliu Yao
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Hospital and Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Hospital and Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Muzi Peng
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Hospital and Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Guiming Deng
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Hospital and Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Hospital and Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Xueyu Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Hospital and Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
- Yueyang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Yueyang, Hunan 414000, China
| | - Xiong Cai
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Hospital and Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
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Avelino KYPS, Silva-Junior AG, Pitta MGR, Errachid A, Oliveira MDL, Andrade CAS. Nanoimmunosensor for the electrochemical detection of oncostatin M receptor and monoclonal autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis. Talanta 2023; 256:124285. [PMID: 36706502 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that primarily affects connective tissue. SSc can be classified into limited cutaneous (lSSc) and diffuse cutaneous (dSSc). Oncostatin M receptor (sOSMR) is an important inflammatory biomarker expressed in the serum of patients with autoimmune diseases. A nanoengineered immunosensor surface was developed. The biosensor was composed of a conductive layer of polypyrrole, electrodeposited gold nanoparticles, and sOSMR protein for anti-human OSMR monoclonal antibody biorecognition. The electrochemical response evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated the detection of the target analyte present in clinical samples from lSSc and dSSc patients. The voltammetric anodic shift for lSSc specimens was 82.7% ± 0.9-93.6% ± 3.2, and dSSc specimens was 118.7 ± 2.6 to 379.6 ± 2.6, revealing a differential diagnostic character for SSc subtypes. The sensor platform was adapted for identifying sOSMR, using anti-OSMR antibodies as bioreceptors. With a linear response range estimated from 0.005 to 500 pg mL-1 and a limit of detection of 0.42 pg mL-1, the sensing strategy demonstrated high sensitivity in identifying the human OSMR protein in clinical samples. The proposed biosensor is a promising and innovative tool for SSc-related biomarker research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Y P S Avelino
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Alberto G Silva-Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maira G R Pitta
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Abdelhamid Errachid
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut des Sciences Analytiques (ISA), 5 rue de la Doua, 69100, Lyon, Villeurbane, France
| | - Maria D L Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - César A S Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Laranjeira P, Dos Santos F, Salvador MJ, Simões IN, Cardoso CMP, Silva BM, Henriques-Antunes H, Corte-Real L, Couceiro S, Monteiro F, Santos C, Santiago T, da Silva JAP, Paiva A. Umbilical-Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Modulate 26 Out of 41 T Cell Subsets from Systemic Sclerosis Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051329. [PMID: 37239000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated disease wherein T cells are particularly implicated, presenting a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Thus, mesenchymal-stem/stromal-cell (MSC)-based therapies can be of great benefit to SSc patients given their immunomodulatory, anti-fibrotic, and pro-angiogenic potential, which is associated with low toxicity. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals (HC, n = 6) and SSc patients (n = 9) were co-cultured with MSCs in order to assess how MSCs affected the activation and polarization of 58 different T cell subsets, including Th1, Th17, and Treg. It was found that MSCs downregulated the activation of 26 out of the 41 T cell subsets identified within CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD8+, CD4-CD8-, and γδ T cells in SSc patients (HC: 29/42) and affected the polarization of 13 out of 58 T cell subsets in SSc patients (HC: 22/64). Interestingly, SSc patients displayed some T cell subsets with an increased activation status and MSCs were able to downregulate all of them. This study provides a wide-ranging perspective of how MSCs affect T cells, including minor subsets. The ability to inhibit the activation and modulate the polarization of several T cell subsets, including those implicated in SSc's pathogenesis, further supports the potential of MSC-based therapies to regulate T cells in a disease whose onset/development may be due to immune system's malfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Laranjeira
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Maria João Salvador
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Irina N Simões
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
| | | | - Bárbara M Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | | | | | - Sofia Couceiro
- Stemlab S.A., Famicord Group, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
| | | | | | - Tânia Santiago
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José A P da Silva
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Artur Paiva
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School, Ciências Biomédicas Laboratoriais, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
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Peng B, Hu Q, He R, Hou H, Lian D, Chen Y, Li H, Song L, Gao Y, Chen T, Zhang G, Li J. Baicalein alleviates fibrosis and inflammation in systemic sclerosis by regulating B-cell abnormalities. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:62. [PMID: 36810081 PMCID: PMC9942410 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03885-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc; also known as "scleroderma") is an autoimmune disorder characterized by extensive fibrosis, vascular changes, and immunologic dysregulation. Baicalein (phenolic flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) has been used to treat the pathological processes of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of baicalein on the major pathologic characteristics of SSc: fibrosis, B-cell abnormalities, and inflammation. METHODS The effect of baicalein on collagen accumulation and expression of fibrogenic markers in human dermal fibroblasts were analyzed. SSc mice were produced by injecting bleomycin and treated with baicalein (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg). The antifibrotic features of baicalein and its mechanisms were investigated by histologic examination, hydroxyproline assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and flow cytometry. RESULTS Baicalein (5-120 μM) significantly inhibited the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and fibroblast activation in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1- and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced human dermal fibroblasts, as evidenced by abrogated deposition of total collagen, decreased secretion of soluble collagen, reduced collagen contraction capability and downregulation of various fibrogenesis molecules. In a bleomycin-induced model of dermal fibrosis in mice, baicalein (25-100 mg/kg) restored dermal architecture, ameliorated inflammatory infiltrates, and attenuated dermal thickness and collagen accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. According to flow cytometry, baicalein reduced the proportion of B cells (B220+ lymphocytes) and increased the proportion of memory B cells (B220+CD27+ lymphocytes) in the spleens of bleomycin-induced mice. Baicalein treatment potently attenuated serum levels of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α), chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta) and autoantibodies (anti-scleroderma 70 (Scl-70), anti-polymyositis-scleroderma (PM-Scl), anti-centromeres, anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA). In addition, baicalein treatment can significantly inhibit the activation of TGF-β1 signaling in dermal fibroblasts and bleomycin-induce mice of SSc, evidenced by reducing the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-11, as well as inhibiting both small mother against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) activation. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that baicalein has therapeutic potential against SSc, exerting modulating B-cell abnormalities, anti-inflammatory effects, and antifibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Peng
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Hu
- grid.28703.3e0000 0000 9040 3743College of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100024 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong He
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongping Hou
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongyin Lian
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Li
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Song
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunhang Gao
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tengfei Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangping Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianrong Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China.
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Renaud L, Waldrep KM, da Silveira WA, Pilewski JM, Feghali-Bostwick CA. First Characterization of the Transcriptome of Lung Fibroblasts of SSc Patients and Healthy Donors of African Ancestry. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3645. [PMID: 36835058 PMCID: PMC9966000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder that results in fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) is the leading cause of death amongst SSc patients. Racial disparity is noted in SSc as African Americans (AA) have a higher frequency and severity of disease than European Americans (EA). Using RNAseq, we determined differentially expressed genes (DEGs; q < 0.1, log2FC > |0.6|) in primary pulmonary fibroblasts from SSc lungs (SScL) and normal lungs (NL) of AA and EA patients to characterize the unique transcriptomic signatures of AA-NL and AA-SScL fibroblasts using systems-level analysis. We identified 69 DEGs in "AA-NL vs. EA-NL" and 384 DEGs in "AA-SScL vs. EA-SScL" analyses, and a comparison of disease mechanisms revealed that only 7.5% of DEGs were commonly deregulated in AA and EA patients. Surprisingly, we also identified an SSc-like signature in AA-NL fibroblasts. Our data highlight differences in disease mechanisms between AA and EA SScL fibroblasts and suggest that AA-NL fibroblasts are in a "pre-fibrosis" state, poised to respond to potential fibrotic triggers. The DEGs and pathways identified in our study provide a wealth of novel targets to better understand disease mechanisms leading to racial disparity in SSc-PF and develop more effective and personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Kristy M. Waldrep
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Joseph M. Pilewski
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Li S, Bai J, Fan G, Liu R. Total glucosides of paeony alleviates scleroderma by inhibiting type I interferon responses. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 302:115897. [PMID: 36334818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Type I interferon (IFN) is believed to play a pathogenic role in systemic sclerosis (SSc, also called scleroderma), which is an autoimmune rheumatic disease. Our previous studies have found that Chinese medicine formula Si-Ni-San (SNS, composed of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Bupleurum chinense DC., Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and Citrus aurantium L.) had inhibitory effects on type I IFN responses. Among these herbal products, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. has been traditionally used to treat inflammation-related diseases, yet its therapeutic effects against type I IFN-related diseases and potential bioactive ingredients are not characterized. AIM OF THE STUDY We aim to identify bioactive ingredient with anti-type I IFN activity from herbal products in SNS and further elucidate its therapeutic effect against scleroderma and underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We constructed a Gaussia-luciferase (Gluc) reporter assay system to identify ingredients with anti-type I IFN activities from SNS. In RAW264.7 cells, real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to investigate the induction of type I IFN pathway. Additionally, in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced experimental scleroderma model, the expression of fibrotic genes, type I IFN-related genes, inflammatory cytokines, and cytotoxic granules were measured by RT-PCR, and the histopathological changes were determined by H&E staining, Masson's staining and immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULTS Our data demonstrated that total glucosides of paeony (TGP) was the bioactive component of SNS that selectively inhibited TLR3-mediated type I IFN responses and blocked type I IFN-induced downstream JAK-STAT signaling pathways. In the BLM-induced scleroderma mouse model, TGP ameliorated skin fibrosis by inhibiting multiple targets in the upstream and downstream of type I IFN signaling. Further research found that TGP hindered polarization of M2 macrophages and their profibrotic effects and reduced cytotoxic T lymphocytes and their cytotoxic granules by suppressing Cxcl9 and Cxcl10 in the skin tissue of scleroderma mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study not only sheds novel lights into the immunoregulative effects of TGP but also provides convincing evidence to develop TGP-based therapies in the treatment of scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases associated with type I IFN signatures. CLASSIFICATION Skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Jinzhao Bai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Guifang Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, PR China.
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Kardum Ž, Milas-Ahić J, Šahinović I, Masle AM, Uršić D, Kos M. Serum levels of interleukin 17 and 22 in patients with systemic sclerosis: a single-center cross-sectional study. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:345-354. [PMID: 36416900 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05250-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Immunological response in SSc is still poorly understood. Cytokines play a significant role in this process leading to vasculopathy and fibrosis. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate serum levels of Th-17-related cytokines, IL-17 and IL-22, and to determine their correlation to the clinical association in SSc patients. Serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels were examined in 42 SSc patients and 29 healthy individuals. Associations between serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels and the duration of the disease, the extent of skin fibrosis, capillaroscopic findings, and involvement of the internal organs were explored. Serum IL-17 levels were not different in SSc and the control group. Serum IL-22 levels were significantly elevated in SSc patients compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.04). A positive correlation was found between the IL-22 sera levels and interstitial lung disease (p = 0.007). These results suggest IL-22 as a potential biomarker in SSc-related interstitial lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Željka Kardum
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia. .,School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Jasminka Milas-Ahić
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ines Šahinović
- School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ana Marija Masle
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dora Uršić
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Kos
- School of Medicine, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
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37
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Setiadi AF, Sperinde G, Cheu M, Liang WC, Lin W, Mahood C, Fischer SK. The Development and Characterization of a Highly Sensitive Mature TGFβ3 Assay to Evaluate Anti-TGFβ3 Target Engagement. AAPS J 2023; 25:21. [PMID: 36703086 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-023-00785-7] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
MTBT 1466A is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind to mature human TGFβ3 in human tissue and systemic circulation. To evaluate binding of this therapeutic, a mature TGFβ3 assay was needed to be able to monitor pharmacodynamic responses in non-human primate (NHP) studies. However, mature TGFβ3 levels in systemic circulation are very low and require development of a highly sensitive assay for detection. This study describes the development of a highly sensitive, drug-tolerant pharmacodynamic biomarker assay for demonstrating target engagement in a pre-clinical study using MTBT1466A. Since mature TGFβ3 is a dimer, a single MAb was used as both the capture and detection antibodies. This assay was developed on the SMCxPRO platform and qualified based on current accepted criteria for biomarker assays. The assay demonstrated specificity to mature TGFβ3, with a lower limit of quantification of 31.3pg/mL. Although baseline levels of mature TGFβ3 were below the assay detection limit in 40% of animals within our study, 2- to 16-fold increases were observed in many of the animals following multiple-dosing regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Francesca Setiadi
- BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Gizette Sperinde
- BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Melissa Cheu
- BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Wei-Ching Liang
- Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - WeiYu Lin
- Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Connie Mahood
- BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Saloumeh K Fischer
- BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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38
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The uPA/uPAR System Orchestrates the Inflammatory Response, Vascular Homeostasis, and Immune System in Fibrosis Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021796. [PMID: 36675310 PMCID: PMC9866279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis and liver cirrhosis are characterized by tissue overgrowth due to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Fibrosis progression is caused by ECM overproduction and the inhibition of ECM degradation due to several events, including inflammation, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and immune abnormalities. Recently, it has been reported that urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), known to be fibrinolytic factors, orchestrate the inflammatory response, vascular homeostasis, and immune homeostasis system. The uPA/uPAR system may show promise as a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases. This review considers the role of the uPA/uPAR system in the progression of fibrotic diseases.
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Specific Autoantibodies and Microvascular Damage Progression Assessed by Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy in Systemic Sclerosis: Are There Peculiar Associations? An Update. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12010003. [PMID: 36648887 PMCID: PMC9844325 DOI: 10.3390/antib12010003] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific autoantibodies and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) findings are serum and morphological diagnostic hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (SSc) as well as useful biomarkers which stratify the microvascular progression and prognosis of patients. METHODS The aim of our narrative review is to provide an update and overview of the link between SSc-related autoantibodies, used in clinical practice, and microvascular damage, evaluated by NVC, by exploring the interaction between these players in published studies. A narrative review was conducted by searching relevant keywords related to this field in Pubmed, Medline and EULAR/ACR conference abstracts with a focus on the findings published in the last 5 years. RESULTS Our search yielded 13 clinical studies and 10 pre-clinical studies. Most of the clinical studies (8/13, 61.5%) reported a significant association between SSc-related autoantibodies and NVC patterns: more specifically anti-centromere autoantibodies (ACA) were associated more often with an "Early" NVC pattern, whereas anti-topoisomerase autoantibodies (ATA) more frequently showed an "Active" or "Late" NVC pattern. Five studies, instead, did not find a significant association between specific autoantibodies and NVC findings. Among the pre-clinical studies, SSc-related autoantibodies showed different mechanisms of damage towards both endothelial cells, fibroblasts and smooth muscle vascular cells. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and laboratory evidence on SSc-related autoantibodies and microvascular damage shows that these players are interconnected. Further clinical and demographic factors (e.g., age, sex, disease duration, treatment and comorbidities) might play an additional role in the SSc-related microvascular injury whose progression appears to be complex and multifactorial.
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40
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Yang S, Zhao M, Jia S. Macrophage: Key player in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1080310. [PMID: 36865559 PMCID: PMC9974150 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1080310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The macrophage is an essential part of the innate immune system and also serves as the bridge between innate immunity and adaptive immune response. As the initiator and executor of the adaptive immune response, macrophage plays an important role in various physiological processes such as immune tolerance, fibrosis, inflammatory response, angiogenesis and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Consequently, macrophage dysfunction is a vital cause of the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we mainly discuss the functions of macrophages in autoimmune diseases, especially in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatic arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and type 1 diabetes (T1D), providing references for the treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yang
- Dapartment of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Dapartment of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Sujie Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
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41
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Mäki-Opas I, Hämäläinen M, Moilanen E, Scotece M. TRPA1 as a potential factor and drug target in scleroderma: dermal fibrosis and alternative macrophage activation are attenuated in TRPA1-deficient mice in bleomycin-induced experimental model of scleroderma. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:12. [PMID: 36698198 PMCID: PMC9875496 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-02994-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis is a rheumatoid disease best known for its fibrotic skin manifestations called scleroderma. Alternatively activated (M2-type) macrophages are normally involved in the resolution of inflammation and wound healing but also in fibrosing diseases such as scleroderma. TRPA1 is a non-selective cation channel, activation of which causes pain and neurogenic inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the role of TRPA1 in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mimicking scleroderma. METHODS Wild type and TRPA1-deficient mice were challenged with intradermal bleomycin injections to induce a scleroderma-mimicking disease. Macrophages were investigated in vitro to evaluate the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Bleomycin induced dermal thickening and collagen accumulation in wild type mice and that was significantly attenuated in TRPA1-deficient animals. Accordingly, the expression of collagens 1A1, 1A2, and 3A1 as well as pro-fibrotic factors TGF-beta, CTGF, fibronectin-1 and YKL-40, and M2 macrophage markers Arg1 and MRC1 were lower in TRPA1-deficient than wild type mice. Furthermore, bleomycin was discovered to significantly enhance M2-marker expression particularly in the presence of IL-4 in wild type macrophages in vitro, but not in macrophages harvested from TRPA1-deficient mice. IL-4-induced PPARγ-expression in macrophages was increased by bleomycin, providing a possible mechanism behind the phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the results indicate that interfering TRPA1 attenuates fibrotic and inflammatory responses in bleomycin-induced scleroderma. Therefore, TRPA1-blocking treatment could potentially alleviate M2 macrophage driven diseases like systemic sclerosis and scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilari Mäki-Opas
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, 33014, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Mari Hämäläinen
- grid.412330.70000 0004 0628 2985The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, 33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Eeva Moilanen
- grid.412330.70000 0004 0628 2985The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, 33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Morena Scotece
- grid.412330.70000 0004 0628 2985The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, 33014 Tampere, Finland ,grid.428472.f0000 0004 1794 2467Current affiliation: Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer (CIC), Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), CSIC-USAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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42
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Wang K, Wen D, Xu X, Zhao R, Jiang F, Yuan S, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Li Q. Extracellular matrix stiffness-The central cue for skin fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1132353. [PMID: 36968277 PMCID: PMC10031116 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1132353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin fibrosis is a physiopathological process featuring the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the main architecture that provides structural support and constitutes the microenvironment for various cellular behaviors. Recently, increasing interest has been drawn to the relationship between the mechanical properties of the ECM and the initiation and modulation of skin fibrosis, with the engagement of a complex network of signaling pathways, the activation of mechanosensitive proteins, and changes in immunoregulation and metabolism. Simultaneous with the progression of skin fibrosis, the stiffness of ECM increases, which in turn perturbs mechanical and humoral homeostasis to drive cell fate toward an outcome that maintains and enhances the fibrosis process, thus forming a pro-fibrotic "positive feedback loop". In this review, we highlighted the central role of the ECM and its dynamic changes at both the molecular and cellular levels in skin fibrosis. We paid special attention to signaling pathways regulated by mechanical cues in ECM remodeling. We also systematically summarized antifibrotic interventions targeting the ECM, hopefully enlightening new strategies for fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuewen Xu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Feipeng Jiang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengqin Yuan
- School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
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43
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Nanri Y, Nunomura S, Honda Y, Takedomi H, Yamaguchi Y, Izuhara K. A positive loop formed by SOX11 and periostin upregulates TGF-β signals leading to skin fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 143:989-998.e7. [PMID: 36584910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, heterogenous disease of connective tissue characterized by organ fibrosis together with vascular injury and autoimmunity. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays a central role in generating fibrosis, including SSc. Periostin is a matricellular protein playing a key role in the generation of fibrosis by amplifying the TGF-β signals. SOX (SRY-related HMG box) 11 is a transcription factor playing several important roles in organ development in embryos. We have previously shown that SOX11 induces periostin expression. However, the roles of the interactions among the TGF-β signals, periostin, and SOX11 remain unknown in the pathogenesis of SSc. In this study, we found that most clones of dermal fibroblasts derived from SSc patients showed constitutive, high expression of SOX11, which is significantly induced by TGF-β1. SOX11 forms a positive loop with periostin to activate the TGF-β signals in SSc dermal fibroblasts. Genetic deletion of Sox11 in Postn-expressing fibroblasts impairs dermal fibrosis by bleomycin. Moreover, using the DNA microarray method, we identified several fibrotic factors dependent on the TGF-β/SOX11/periostin pathway in SSc dermal fibroblasts. Our findings, taken together, show that a positive loop formed by SOX11 and periostin in fibroblasts upregulates the TGF-β signals, leading to skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nanri
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Saga, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nunomura
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Saga, Japan
| | - Yuko Honda
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Yukie Yamaguchi
- Department of Environmental Immuno-Dermatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kenji Izuhara
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Saga, Japan.
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Sympatho-Vagal Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis: A Follow-Up Study. Life (Basel) 2022; 13:life13010034. [PMID: 36675983 PMCID: PMC9863978 DOI: 10.3390/life13010034] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients often present cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, which is associated with the risk of arrhythmic complications and mortality. However, little is known regarding the progression of cardiac autonomic impairment over time. We aimed to evaluate the cardiac autonomic modulation among SSc with limited cutaneous (lcSSc), diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc) subset, and age-matched healthy control (HC) at baseline (t0) and five-year follow-up (t1). In this follow-up study, ECG was recorded at t0 and t1 in twenty-four SSc patients (dcSSc; n = 11 and lcSSc; n = 13) and 11 HC. The heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was conducted. The spectral analysis identified two oscillatory components, low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF), and the sympatho-vagal balance was assessed by the LF/HF ratio. The LF/HF increased (p = 0.03), and HF reduced at t1 compared to t0 in dcSSc (p = 0.03), which did not occur in the lcSSc and HC groups. Otherwise, both lcSSc and dcSSc groups presented augmented LF/HF at t0 and t1 compared to HC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, a worsening of cardiac autonomic dysfunction is related to the dcSSc subset, in which a more extent of skin fibrosis and internal organs fibrosis is present.
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45
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Kim S, Park HJ, Lee SI. The Microbiome in Systemic Sclerosis: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416154. [PMID: 36555792 PMCID: PMC9853331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology characterized by multi-organ fibrosis. Despite substantial investigation on SSc-related cellular and molecular mechanisms, effective therapies are still lacking. The skin, lungs, and gut are the most affected organs in SSc, which act as physical barriers and constantly communicate with colonized microbiota. Recent reports have documented a unique microbiome signature, which may be the pathogenic trigger or driver of SSc. Since gut microbiota influences the efficacy and toxicity of oral drugs, evaluating drug-microbiota interactions has become an area of interest in disease treatment. The existing evidence highlights the potential of the microbial challenge as a novel therapeutic option in SSc. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge about molecular mechanisms of SSc and highlighted the underlying role of the microbiome in SSc pathogenesis. We have also discussed the latest therapeutic interventions using microbiomes in SSc, including drug-microbiota interactions and animal disease models. This review aims to elucidate the pathophysiological connection and therapeutic potential of the microbiome in SSc. Insights into the microbiome will significantly improve our understanding of etiopathogenesis and developing therapeutics for SSc.
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46
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Beaven E, Kumar R, Bhatt HN, Esquivel SV, Nurunnabi M. Myofibroblast specific targeting approaches to improve fibrosis treatment. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:13556-13571. [PMID: 36445310 PMCID: PMC9946855 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc04825f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis has been shown to develop in individuals with underlying health conditions, especially chronic inflammatory diseases. Fibrosis is often diagnosed in various organs, including the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, and skin, and has been described as excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix that can affect specific organs in the body or systemically throughout the body. Fibrosis as a chronic condition can result in organ failure and result in death of the individual. Understanding and identification of specific biomarkers associated with fibrosis has emerging potential in the development of diagnosis and targeting treatment modalities. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss multiple signaling pathways such as TGF-β, collagen, angiotensin, and cadherin and outline the chemical nature of the different signaling pathways involved in fibrogenesis as well as the mechanisms. Although it has been well established that TGF-β is the main catalyst initiating and driving multiple pathways for fibrosis, targeting TGF-β can be challenging as this molecule regulates essential functions throughout the body that help to keep the body in homeostasis. We also discuss collagen, angiotensin, and cadherins and their role in fibrosis. We comprehensively discuss the various delivery systems used to target collagen, angiotensin, and cadherins to manage fibrosis. Nevertheless, understanding the steps by which this molecule drives fibrosis development can aid in the development of specific targets of its cascading mechanism. Throughout the review, we will demonstrate the mechanism of fibrosis targeting to improve targeting delivery and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elfa Beaven
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Stephanie V Esquivel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Aerospace Center (cSETR), The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Aerospace Center (cSETR), The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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Tao SS, Cao F, Sam NB, Li HM, Feng YT, Ni J, Wang P, Li XM, Pan HF. Dickkopf-1 as a promising therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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48
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Zhang Y, Zhu M, Xie L, Zhang H, Deng T. Identification and validation of key immune-related genes with promising diagnostic and predictive value in systemic sclerosis. Life Sci 2022; 312:121238. [PMID: 36460097 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121238] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To screen and confirm key immune-related genes (IRGs) with diagnostic and predictive value in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and provide potential therapeutic targets for patients with SSc. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), four datasets of gene expression profiling related to SSc were downloaded and used for the analysis in this study. After differential analysis of SSc cases and controls in GSE130955, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were overlapped with IRGs to obtain the immune-related differentially expressed genes (IR-DEGs) in SSc. In addition, functional annotation and pathway enrichment of IR-DEGs were conducted. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed to identify key IR-DEGs. Using GSE58095, GSE181549 and GSE130953, the diagnostic and predictive abilities for the key IR-DEGs in SSc were validated. Finally, the screened key genes were confirmed in skin derived bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc mice by Real-time PCR. KEY FINDINGS NGFR, TNFSF13B, FCER1G, GIMAP5, TYROBP and CSF1R may have important or very high diagnostic value for SSc. TYROBP and TNFSF13B had moderate and mild predictive value respectively in SSc patients after treatment. Real-time PCR assay further confirmed that the expressions of Ngfr, Tyrobp, Csf1r, Fcer1g and Gimap5 were significantly higher in skin of BLM-induced SSc mice than that in controls. SIGNIFICANCE The key IR-DEGs, including NGFR, TNFSF13B, TYROBP, CSF1R, FCER1G and GIMAP5, may become auxiliary diagnostic indicators and potential biomarkers for SSc. Moreover, TNFSF13B and TYROBP could have good prospects as predictive indicators in SSc patients that accepted cyclophosphamide or transplantation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Mingxin Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Limin Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Haowei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Orthopedics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Tuo Deng
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Immunology Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Aung WW, Hamaguchi Y, Matsushita T. Targeting cytokines and potentiality of
JAK–STAT
inhibition in systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS IMMUNOLOGY AND ALLERGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cia2.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wah Wah Aung
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Kanazawa University Kanazawa Ishikawa Japan
| | - Yasuhito Hamaguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Kanazawa University Kanazawa Ishikawa Japan
| | - Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Kanazawa University Kanazawa Ishikawa Japan
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50
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Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate systemic sclerosis by inhibiting the recruitment of pathogenic macrophages. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:466. [DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a recalcitrant autoimmune disease for which there is no cure. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based treatment has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for several autoimmune diseases. Previously, we found that the immunoregulatory potential of MSCs can be greatly enhanced by IFN-γ and TNF-α. Here, we found that IFN-γ- and TNF-α-pretreated MSCs significantly alleviated skin fibrosis in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc model. Macrophages were found to be the predominant profibrotic immune cell population in the pathogenesis of SSc. The accumulation of macrophages was significantly decreased by MSC treatment. Importantly, MSCs primarily reduced the population of maturing macrophages with high CCR2 expression by inhibiting the generation of CCL2 from fibroblasts and macrophages. This finding may help to improve MSC-based clinical treatments for SSc patients.
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