1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kidney Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071123. [PMID: 35887620 PMCID: PMC9324204 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease, characterized by diffuse fibrosis and abnormalities of microcirculation and small arterioles in the skin, joints and visceral organs. Material and Methods: We searched for the relevant articles on systemic sclerosis and kidney involvement in systemic sclerosis in the NIH library of medicine, transplant, rheumatologic and nephrological journals. Results: Half of patients with systemic sclerosis have clinical evidence of kidney involvement. Scleroderma renal crisis represents the most specific and serious renal event associated with this condition. It is characterized by an abrupt onset of moderate to marked hypertension and kidney failure. Early and aggressive treatment is mandatory to prevent irreversible organ damage and death. The advent of ACE-inhibitors revolutionized the management of scleroderma renal crisis. However, the outcomes of this serious complication are still poor, and between 20 to 50% of patients progress to end stage renal disease. Conclusions: Scleroderma renal crisis still represents a serious and life-threatening event. Thus, further studies on its prevention and on new therapeutic strategies should be encouraged.
Collapse
|
3
|
Ponticelli C, Doria A, Moroni G. Renal disorders in rheumatologic diseases: the spectrum is changing (Part 1: connective tissue diseases). J Nephrol 2020; 34:1069-1080. [PMID: 32529559 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-020-00772-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The kidney is frequently involved by autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The renal manifestations may be variable, ranging from asymptomatic proteinuria and microscopic haematuria to nephrotic syndrome and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis or vasculitis. In a number of cases the kidney involvement is related to the treatment of the original disease and may represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is important for nephrologists and rheumatologists to remember that dysfunction of the kidney may be part of the primary systemic disorder or consequence of its pharmacotherapy. In the first part of this review we will analyse the kidney involvement in four autoimmune connective tissue diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, and systemic sclerosis. Renal disease is common in lupus and is a main cause of morbidity and mortality. About 10% of patients with Sjögren syndrome may present interstitial nephritis or, more rarely, glomerulonephritis. Myoglobinuria and acute kidney injury is a frequent complication of polymyositis. Renal disease is one of the most serious complications of systemic sclerosis and may present with a dramatic renal crisis, characterized by malignant hypertension, oligo-anuria, and microangiopathic thrombocytopenic anaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Ponticelli
- Division of Nephrology, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Milano, Via Ampere 126, 20131, Milano, Italy.
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriella Moroni
- Division of Nephrology, Fondazione Ca' Granda IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rezus E, Burlui AM, Gafton B, Stratulat TA, Zota GR, Cardoneanu A, Rezus C. A patient-centered approach to the burden of symptoms in patients with scleroderma treated with Bosentan: A prospective single-center observational study. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:1739-1746. [PMID: 32104228 PMCID: PMC7027142 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and complex autoimmune disease associated with poor vital and functional outcomes. The functional hindrance in patients derives from various disease-specific manifestations, including Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers (DUs). Bosentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist capable of preventing the appearance of new DUs in patients with scleroderma. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bosentan on the severity of Raynaud's phenomenon, DU-related symptoms and functional impairment during the first year of treatment. A prospective study that included adult patients with SSc admitted to the Rheumatology Department between January 2016 and January 2017 that were candidates for Bosentan therapy, was performed. All patients were asked to evaluate the burden of symptoms secondary to Raynaud's and DUs using a visual analogue scale (VAS), whereas functional hindrance was assessed via Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). The outcomes were assessed at baseline and every 3 months during 1 year of therapy. Among the 41 patients included initially, 2 participants discontinued the treatment after 1 month due to adverse events (elevation of liver enzymes). The study cohort exhibited a significant improvement in HAQ-DI, VAS-R and VAS-DU scores in response to Bosentan therapy over the 1-year follow-up period. Higher scores at baseline predicted a weaker treatment-related improvement, with the risk of a poor outcome being increased by 220% for VAS-R, 116% for VAS-DU, whereas no increase was observed for HAQ-DI. The post-treatment improvement in VAS-DU levels was associated with a better outcome for HAQ-DI (R=0.44; P=0.005). This association was not identified for VAS-R (R=0.24; P=0.137). Throughout the follow-up period, patients with dyspnea presented with significantly higher HAQ-DI scores compared with non-dyspneic patients. Bosentan therapy may indirectly influence functionality and quality of life in patients with scleroderma by reducing the burden of Raynaud's and DU-related symptoms. Nonetheless, patients with SSc with a decreased symptom burden at baseline exhibited improved outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Maria Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Gafton
- Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Teodora Alexa Stratulat
- Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Rusu Zota
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hajialilo M, Tayari P, Ghorbanihaghjo A, Khabbazi A, Malek Mahdavi A, Rashtchizadeh N. Relationship between serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and endothelin-1 levels with organ involvement and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Lupus 2018; 27:1918-1925. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203318796285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Considering the importance of serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 as the most abundant of the circulating adhesion molecules increased as a result of endothelial dysfunction and the role of endothelin-1 in pathophysiology of SLE, this study aimed to evaluate serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and endothelin-1 levels in SLE patients compared to healthy subjects. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 60 SLE patients according to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria for SLE and 40 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included. In patients, clinical examination was performed and SLE disease activity index was assessed. Serum endothelin-1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels were measured using ELISA kits. Results The mean ± standard deviation age of patients and controls was 31.91 ± 7.66 and 33.20 ± 10.08 years, respectively. Compared to healthy controls, serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (1023.8 ± 352.96 vs. 866.06 ± 109.91) and endothelin-1 (77.83 ± 16.27 vs. 54.45 ± 12.01) was significantly higher in SLE patients ( P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). The most common organs involved in patients were skin, joint and kidney. There were no significant differences in serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and endothelin-1 levels according to organ involvement, activity of disease and the conventional serum markers of disease activity ( P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between disease activity, organ involvement and negative or positivity of autoantibodies as well as serum complement with endothelin-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels ( P > 0.05). Conclusions Although our study revealed higher serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and endothelin-1 levels in SLE patients compared to healthy controls, there were no significant correlations between their serum levels with organ involvement and disease activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Hajialilo
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - P Tayari
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - A Ghorbanihaghjo
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - A Khabbazi
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - A Malek Mahdavi
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - N Rashtchizadeh
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Endothelin-1, α-Klotho, 25(OH) Vit D levels and severity of disease in scleroderma patients. Rheumatol Int 2017; 37:1651-1657. [PMID: 28831601 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-017-3797-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Considering the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in tissue remodeling and fibrosis during the development of scleroderma as well as the effect of α-Klotho in pathogenesis of calcinosis and/or endothelial cell injury and its correlation with severity of disease, this study aimed to evaluate serum ET-1, α-Klotho and 25(OH) vitamin D levels in patients with limited and diffuse scleroderma compared to healthy subjects. In this cross-sectional study, 60 scleroderma patients according to the ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. In patients, clinical examination was performed and Medsger severity scale was assessed. Serum ET-1, soluble α-Klotho and 25(OH)D3 levels were measured using ELISA kits. The mean ± SD age of patients and controls was 46.2 ± 9.6 and 47.2 ± 7.0 years, respectively. Compared to healthy controls, serum ET-1 was significantly higher in SSc patients (p = 0.001); whilst serum α-Klotho and 25(OH)D3 were significantly lower in patients (p = 0.001). The most common organs involved in patients were skin, lung, peripheral vascular and gastrointestinal system and the severity of involvement was mainly mild and/or moderate. There were no significant differences in serum ET-1 and α-Klotho levels according to the severity of different organ involvement (p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between presence or absence of calcinosis and negative or positivity of auto-antibodies with ET-1, α-Klotho and 25(OH)D3 levels. Although our study revealed higher serum ET-1 and lower serum α-Klotho levels in SSc patients compared to healthy controls, there were not any significant correlations between their serum levels with severity of organ involvement.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ayers NB, Sun CM, Chen SY. Transforming growth factor-β signaling in systemic sclerosis. J Biomed Res 2017; 32:3-12. [PMID: 29353817 PMCID: PMC5956255 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.31.20170034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, multiorgan autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Manifestation of the disease results from an interaction of three key pathologic features including irregularities of the antigen-specific immune system and the non-specific immune system, resulting in autoantibody production, vascular endothelial activation of small blood vessels, and tissue fibrosis as a result of fibroblast dysfunction. Given the heterogeneity of clinical presentation of the disease, a lack of universal models has impeded adequate testing of potential therapies for SSc. Regardless, recent research has elucidated the roles of various ubiquitous molecular mechanisms that contribute to the clinical manifestation of the disease. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been identified as a regulator of pathological fibrogenesis in SSc. Various processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and extracellular matrix synthesis are regulated by TGF-β, a type of cytokine secreted by macrophages and many other cell types. Understanding the essential role TGF-β pathways play in the pathology of systemic sclerosis could provide a potential outlet for treatment and a better understanding of this severe disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nolan B Ayers
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chen-Ming Sun
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rademacher J, Kill A, Mattat K, Dragun D, Siegert E, Günther J, Riemekasten G. Monocytic Angiotensin and Endothelin Receptor Imbalance Modulate Secretion of the Profibrotic Chemokine Ligand 18. J Rheumatol 2016; 43:587-91. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.150474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective.To assess monocytic expression and ratio of angiotensin and endothelin receptors in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and their functional relevance.Methods.Receptor expression was measured by flow cytometry. Chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) concentration in supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with immunoglobulin G was measured by ELISA.Results.Monocytes of patients with SSc presented an increased angiotensin II Type 1 receptor (AT1R)/AT2R ratio compared with those of healthy donors. Patients with lung fibrosis and patients with high modified Rodnan skin score showed a reduced endothelin 1 Type A receptor (ETAR)/ETBR ratio. High AT1R/AT2R, but low ETAR/ETBR ratios corresponded to higher CCL18 secretion.Conclusion.Altered angiotensin and endothelin receptor ratios observed in SSc influence autoantibody-mediated effects such as secretion of profibrotic CCL18.
Collapse
|
9
|
Pattanaik D, Brown M, Postlethwaite BC, Postlethwaite AE. Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2015; 6:272. [PMID: 26106387 PMCID: PMC4459100 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is one of the most complex systemic autoimmune diseases. It targets the vasculature, connective tissue-producing cells (namely fibroblasts/myofibroblasts), and components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Clinical and pathologic manifestations of SSc are the result of: (1) innate/adaptive immune system abnormalities leading to production of autoantibodies and cell-mediated autoimmunity, (2) microvascular endothelial cell/small vessel fibroproliferative vasculopathy, and (3) fibroblast dysfunction generating excessive accumulation of collagen and other matrix components in skin and internal organs. All three of these processes interact and affect each other. The disease is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation that likely reflects different genetic or triggering factor (i.e., infection or environmental toxin) influences on the immune system, vasculature, and connective tissue cells. The roles played by other ubiquitous molecular entities (such as lysophospholipids, endocannabinoids, and their diverse receptors and vitamin D) in influencing the immune system, vasculature, and connective tissue cells are just beginning to be realized and studied and may provide insights into new therapeutic approaches to treat SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debendra Pattanaik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Connective Tissue Diseases, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN , USA ; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Memphis, TN , USA
| | - Monica Brown
- Section of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN , USA
| | - Bradley C Postlethwaite
- Department of Medicine, Division of Connective Tissue Diseases, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN , USA
| | - Arnold E Postlethwaite
- Department of Medicine, Division of Connective Tissue Diseases, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN , USA ; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Memphis, TN , USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Endothelin Receptors Expressed by Immune Cells Are Involved in Modulation of Inflammation and in Fibrosis: Relevance to the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:147616. [PMID: 26090478 PMCID: PMC4451773 DOI: 10.1155/2015/147616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a pivotal role in vasoconstriction, fibrosis, and inflammation, the key features of systemic sclerosis (SSc). ET-1 receptors (ETA and ETB) are expressed on endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts, but their presence on immune cells has not been deeply investigated so far. Endothelin receptors antagonists such as bosentan have beneficial effects on vasoconstriction and fibrosis, but less is known about their potential anti-inflammatory effects. We studied the expression of ET-1 receptors on immune cells (T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils) and the link between ET-1 and inflammation in patients with SSc. We show here that ET-1 exerts a proinflammatory effect in CD4+ T cells, since it induces an increased IFN-γ production; preincubation with antagonists of both receptors reduces IFN-γ production. Moreover, following ET-1 stimulation, neutrophils produce proinflammatory mediators, thus amplifying the effects of activated CD4+ T cells. Our data indicate that ET-1 system is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis typical of SSc, through the activation of T lymphocytes and neutrophils and the consequent release of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines. These findings suggest that dual ET-1 receptors antagonist therapy, besides its effect on vasculopathy, has a profound impact on the immune system favouring antiinflammatory and antifibrogenic effects.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chrysanthopoulou A, Mitroulis I, Kambas K, Skendros P, Kourtzelis I, Vradelis S, Kolios G, Aslanidis S, Doumas M, Ritis K. Tissue factor-thrombin signaling enhances the fibrotic activity of myofibroblasts in systemic sclerosis through up-regulation of endothelin receptor A. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:3586-97. [DOI: 10.1002/art.30586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
12
|
Endothelin Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Raynaud's Phenomenon and Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Rheumatol 2011; 2011:201787. [PMID: 22121371 PMCID: PMC3205679 DOI: 10.1155/2011/201787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin, internal organs, and widespread vasculopathy. Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers are vascular manifestations of this disease and cause significant morbidity. Current treatments are only moderately effective in reducing the severity of Raynaud's in a portion of patients and typically do not lead to substantial benefit in terms of the healing or prevention of digital ulcers. Several studies have evaluated the efficacy of targeting the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated vascular disease. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the published studies and case reports evaluating the efficacy of endothelin receptor antagonists in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers associated with systemic sclerosis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Giordano N, Puccetti L, Papakostas P, Di Pietra N, Bruni F, Pasqui AL, Acampa M, Bocchi V, Donati V, Voglino M, Fioravanti A, Montella A, Auteri A, Nuti R, Pastorelli M. Bosentan treatment for Raynauds phenomenon and skin fibrosis in patients with Systemic Sclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension: an open-label, observational, retrospective study. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2011; 23:1185-94. [PMID: 21244767 DOI: 10.1177/039463201002300422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Raynaud?s phenomenon (RP) and cutaneous fibrosis are the distinctive manifestations of scleroderma, in which Endothelin-1 plays a fundamental pathogenetic role. Bosentan, an Endothelin-1 receptor antagonist used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, retards the beginning of new sclerodermic digital ulcers (DU). This open-label, observational, retrospective study verified the effect of Bosentan on RP and skin fibrosis in sclerodermic outpatients affected by pulmonary arterial hypertension without DU. Fourteen subjects (13 women, 1 man; mean age 60 ± 7.5 years; ten with limited and four with diffuse scleroderma) were observed at baseline (T0) and after four (T1), twelve (T2), twenty-four (T3) and forty-eight (T4) weeks during treatment with Bosentan. They were evaluated for daily quantity and duration of RP attacks and skin thickness (using modified Rodnan total skin score, MRSS). Videocapillaroscopic evaluation was performed at T0 and T4. Bosentan decreased significantly the number and duration of RP attacks, beginning at T2 (p<0.05). Videocapillaroscopy showed significant improvement of microcirculatory patterns at T4 (p<0.05). MRSS decreased throughout the study, reaching the statistical significance at T3 and T4 (p<0.01) in the whole cohort. The present data suggest that Bosentan is effective in stabilizing the microcirculation involvement and in improving skin fibrosis irrespective of scleroderma patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Giordano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine-Metabolic Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Siena, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|