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Matsuda KM, Sugimoto E, Ako Y, Kitamura M, Miyahara M, Kotani H, Norimatsu Y, Hisamoto T, Kuzumi A, Fukasawa T, Sato S, Yoshizaki A. Reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Japanese version of the University of California Los Angeles scleroderma clinical trial consortium gastrointestinal tract instrument: Application to efficacy assessment of intravenous immunoglobulin administration. J Dermatol 2024; 51:741-751. [PMID: 38558171 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17202] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and assess the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Japanese version of the University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium gastrointestinal tract (GIT) Instrument 2.0 (the GIT score), as an evaluation tool for GIT symptoms in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The Japanese version of the GIT score was constructed using the forward-backward method. The reliability and validity of this instrument were evaluated in a cohort of 38 SSc patients. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between the GIT score and existing patient-reported outcome measures. Additionally, the sensitivity of the GIT score was examined by comparing GIT scores before and after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration in 10 SSc-myositis overlap patients, as IVIG has recently demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating GIT symptoms of SSc. As a result, the Japanese version of the GIT score exhibited internal consistency and a significant association with the Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Furthermore, the total GIT score, as well as the reflux and distention/bloating subscales, displayed moderate correlations with the EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) pain/discomfort subscale and the Short Form-36 body pain subscale. Notably, following IVIG treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in the total GIT score and multiple subscales. We first validated the Japanese version of the GIT score in Japanese SSc patients in real-world clinical settings. This instrument holds promise for application in future clinical trials involving this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki M Matsuda
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiki Sugimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Ako
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marie Kitamura
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mai Miyahara
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirohito Kotani
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Norimatsu
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruyoshi Hisamoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Kuzumi
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Możdżan M, Węgiel A, Biskup L, Brzezińska O, Makowska J. Anti-Th/To Antibodies in Scleroderma: Good Prognosis or Serious Concern? J Clin Med 2024; 13:3022. [PMID: 38892733 PMCID: PMC11172938 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113022] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) represents a rare and intricate autoimmune connective tissue disease, the pathophysiology of which has not been fully understood. Its key features include progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vasculopathy and aberrant immune activation. While various anti-nuclear antibodies can serve as biomarkers for the classification and prognosis of SSc, their direct role in organ dysfunction remains unclear. Anti-Th/To antibodies are present in approximately 5% of SSc patients, and are particularly prevalent among those with the limited subtype of the disease. Although the presence of these autoantibodies is associated with a mild course of the disease, there is a strong connection between them and severe clinical manifestations of SSc, including interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension and gastrointestinal involvement. Also, the additional clinical correlations, particularly with malignancies, need further research. Moreover, the disease's course seems to be influenced by antibodies, specific serum cytokines and TLR signaling pathways. Understanding the relationships between presence of anti-Th/To, its molecular aspects and response to treatment options is crucial for the development of novel, personalized therapeutic techniques and should undergo profound analysis in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Możdżan
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (A.W.); (L.B.); (O.B.)
| | | | | | | | - Joanna Makowska
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (A.W.); (L.B.); (O.B.)
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Seki N, Tsujimoto H, Tanemura S, Ishigaki S, Takei H, Sugahara K, Yoshimoto K, Akiyama M, Kaneko Y, Chiba K, Takeuchi T. Th17/IL-17A axis is critical for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc): SSc patients with high levels of serum IL-17A exhibit reduced lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH. Cytokine 2024; 176:156534. [PMID: 38354516 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156534] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is thought that systemic sclerosis (SSc) might be a T helper 17 (Th17) cell-driven autoimmune disease. Noticeably, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a leading cause of death in patients with SSc. Here, we investigated the association between serum Th17-related cytokines and prevalence of PAH in SSc patients. METHODS This study included 72 SSc patients and 51 healthy controls (HC). We determined clinical manifestations, immunophenotypes including Th subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17A/F, IL-17B. IL-17C, IL-17D. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23. RESULTS The frequency of Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc patients compared to HC and was positively correlated with the modified Rodnan skin scores. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-17D, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly increased in SSc patients compared to HC. SSc patients with detected IL-17A showed high levels of IL-17A/F, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-22, and high frequency of Th17 cells. Interestingly, these patients exhibited the reduced lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH significantly compared to patients with undetected IL-17A. Similarly, SSc patients with detected IL-17A and high IL-6 (≥1.2 pg/mL) exhibited the decreased lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH compared to patients with undetected IL-17A and low IL-6. CONCLUSION We found that SSc patients with high levels of serum IL-17A or both IL-17A and IL-6 show reduced lung functions and high prevalence of PAH. Consequently, it is highly probable that Th17/IL-17A axis is critical for the prevalence of PAH in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyasu Seki
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideto Tsujimoto
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shuhei Tanemura
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Sho Ishigaki
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takei
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kunio Sugahara
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keiko Yoshimoto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Akiyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuko Kaneko
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji Chiba
- Research Unit Immunology & Inflammation, Innovative Research division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-0033, Japan; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Saitama Medical University, Iruma-gun, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
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Szabo I, Badii M, Gaál IO, Szabo R, Popp RA, Joosten LAB, Crişan TO, Rednic S. Enhanced Innate and Acquired Immune Responses in Systemic Sclerosis Primary Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14438. [PMID: 37833885 PMCID: PMC10572600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic immune activation in systemic sclerosis is supported by the production of a plethora of cytokines with proven regulatory activities of the immune responses. This study aimed to explore PBMCs' cytokine profiles in SSc patients versus controls, as well as to investigate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in association with disease duration. PBMCs were isolated from 18 SSc patients and 17 controls and further subjected to in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and heat-killed Candida albicans. Cytokine production was measured after 24 h and 7 days, respectively, using ELISA kits for interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-10, IL-17, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF levels were increased in SSc patients compared with healthy volunteers irrespective of the stimulus used. IL-1Ra and Il-17 concentrations were not statistically different between groups, even though a trend toward higher levels in patients compared with their matched controls was also observed. Most cytokines demonstrated a stable course with disease progression, except for IL-10 levels, which declined over time. In conclusion, the results of this pilot study reveal that in patients with SSc a persistently enhanced immune response is established and maintained regardless of stimulus or disease duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Szabo
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.)
- Department of Rheumatology, County Emergency Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Medeea Badii
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ildikó O. Gaál
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Szabo
- 2nd Anesthesia Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, County Emergency Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Radu A. Popp
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Leo A. B. Joosten
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tania O. Crişan
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simona Rednic
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.)
- Department of Rheumatology, County Emergency Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Xu WJ, Wu Q, He WN, Wang S, Zhao YL, Huang JX, Yan XS, Jiang R. Interleukin-6 and pulmonary hypertension: from physiopathology to therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1181987. [PMID: 37449201 PMCID: PMC10337993 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1181987] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, pulmonary vascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PH is complex and remains unclear. Existing studies have suggested that inflammatory factors are key factors in PH. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system. Current studies reveal that IL-6 is elevated in the serum of patients with PH and it is negatively correlated with lung function in those patients. Since IL-6 is one of the most important mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammation in PH, signaling mechanisms targeting IL-6 may become therapeutic targets for this disease. In this review, we detailed the potential role of IL-6 in accelerating PH process and the specific mechanisms and signaling pathways. We also summarized the current drugs targeting these inflammatory pathways to treat PH. We hope that this study will provide a more theoretical basis for targeted treatment in patients with PH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jie Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ni He
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Lin Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Xia Huang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Shen Yan
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Matucci-Cerinic M, Romano E, Manetti M. Current Trends in Vascular Biomarkers for Systemic Sclerosis: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044097. [PMID: 36835506 PMCID: PMC9965592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044097] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a multifaceted rare connective tissue disease whose pathogenesis is dominated by immune dysregulation, small vessel vasculopathy, impaired angiogenesis, and both cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. Microvascular impairment represents the initial event of the disease, preceding fibrosis by months or years and accounting for the main disabling and/or life-threatening clinical manifestations, including telangiectasias, pitting scars, periungual microvascular abnormalities (e.g., giant capillaries, hemorrhages, avascular areas, ramified/bushy capillaries) clinically detectable by nailfold videocapillaroscopy, ischemic digital ulcers, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and scleroderma renal crisis. Despite a variety of available treatment options, treatment of SSc-related vascular disease remains problematic, even considering SSc etherogenity and the quite narrow therapeutic window. In this context, plenty of studies have highlighted the great usefulness in clinical practice of vascular biomarkers allowing clinicians to assess the evolution of the pathological process affecting the vessels, as well as to predict the prognosis and the response to therapy. The current narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of the main candidate vascular biomarkers that have been proposed for SSc, focusing on their main reported associations with characteristic clinical vascular features of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Jak Inhibitors for Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases: Lessons from Systemic Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080936. [PMID: 36015084 PMCID: PMC9413112 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus represent two distinct autoimmune diseases belonging to the group of connective tissue disorders. Despite the great progress in the basic science, this progress has not been translated to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that can radically change the face of these diseases. The discovery of JAK kinases, which are tyrosine kinases coupled with cytokine receptors, may open a new chapter in the treatment of so far untreatable diseases. Small synthetic compounds that can block Janus kinases and interact directly with cytokine signalling may provide therapeutic potential in these diseases. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of Jak kinases in light of the cytokine network that JAK kinases are able to interact with. We also provide the theoretical background for the rationale of blocking cytokines with specific JAK inhibitors.
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