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Yen TH, Chen YW, Hsieh TY, Chen YM, Huang WN, Chen YH, Chen HH. The risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with systemic sclerosis: a nationwide, population-based cohort study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:2074-2081. [PMID: 37695290 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead464] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS We conducted a nationwide, population-based, cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) using a 1:2 ratio, resulting in inclusion of 1379 patients with SSc and 2758 non-SSc individuals in the analysis. We assessed the association between SSc and MACEs, using the multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model with adjustment of time-dependent covariates, and investigated risk factors for MACEs in patients with SSc, shown as adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% CIs. RESULTS SSc was not significantly associated with the risk of MACEs (aHR 1.04; 95% CI 0.77-1.42). Nevertheless, SSc was associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.76; 95% CI 1.08-2.86] and peripheral arterial occlusion disease (IRR 3.67; 95% CI 2.84-4.74) but not of ischaemic stroke (IRR 0.89; 95% CI 0.61-1.29). Factors independently associated with MACEs in SSc patients included age (aHR 1.02), male gender (aHR 2.01), living in a suburban area (aHR 2.09), living in a rural area (aHR 3.00), valvular heart disease (aHR 4.26), RA (aHR 2.14), use of clopidogrel (aHR 26.65), and use of aspirin (aHR 5.31). CONCLUSIONS The risk of MACEs was not significantly increased in Taiwanese patients with SSc, and our investigation effectively identified the factors independently associated with MACEs in SSc patients. Additionally, patients with SSc exhibited higher risks of myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial occlusion disease but not of ischaemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Hung Yen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Wen Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsu-Yi Hsieh
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- PhD Program of Business, College of Business, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ming Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Nan Huang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Business Administration, Ling-Tung University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsing Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine & Big Data Center, Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Is heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) a valid marker of arterial stiffness in patients with systemic sclerosis? JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.1070746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim: Both micro- and macro-vascular involvement has been researched in systemic sclerosis (SSc) for many years. In this study, the relationship of arterial stiffness with heart-type fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP), which is well-accepted as a cardiac marker, was investigated for the first time.
Methods: In this case-control study, 40 patients diagnosed with SSc between the ages of 18 and 65 were included. Thirty healthy individuals of similar age and gender were included as the control group. Patients were excluded from the study if they had cardiovascular risk factors, active infections, and/or malignancies. Along with detecting biochemical markers in the blood, results from methods, such as 24-h blood pressure Holter recordings, pulse-wave velocities (PWV), and echocardiograms (ECHO) were obtained from patients.
Results: The homocysteine mean level was higher in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). H-FABP and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) means were similar between the two groups (P = 0.286 and P = 0.340, respectively). Vascular parameters, including mean arterial pressure (MAP), augmentation index normalized to the 75 /min heart rate (AIx @ 75), and PWV were also similar between the two groups (P = 0.498, P = 0.382 and P = 0.180, respectively).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that no ongoing myocardial damage occurs based on normotensive Holter findings, normal h-FABP levels, and ECHO findings in our patients. It is suggested that vasodilatory treatments, such as pentoxifylline and calcium channel blockers, which the patients receive for SSc treatment due to Raynaud Syndrome, may protect them from hypertension and therefore offer protection from myocardial damage.
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Nguyen Thi Phuong T, Thi TD, Lundberg IE, Huy BN. Atherosclerosis in Vietnamese patients with systemic sclerosis and its relation to disease and traditional risk factors. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2022; 6:rkac048. [PMID: 35769143 PMCID: PMC9233417 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis in Vietnamese patients with SSc and the risk factors for subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods A case–control study of 46 patients with SSc who met the ACR criteria for the disease and 42 healthy age- and sex-matched controls of Kinh ethnicity was conducted. Clinical data including cardiovascular disease (CVD) events were collected. Serum levels of blood lipids and high-sensitivity CRP were determined. Carotid artery intima–media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques were measured by carotid Doppler ultrasonography. Results Patients with SSc, of whom 96% had dcSSc, reported a higher number of CVD events compared with the controls (21.7 vs 0%; P = 0.0065). They exhibited low serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high levels of total cholesterol compared with controls (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). Common carotid artery IMT was significantly higher in SSc patients compared with controls [mean (s.d.): 0.61 (0.12) vs 0.47 (0.07) mm; P < 0.0001]. Carotid artery IMT in SSc showed significant positive correlations with age, disease duration, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05). Thirteen patients with SSc (28.3%) but no controls had carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Patients with plaque had a higher mean modified Rodnan skin score and higher mean IMT compared with patients without plaque. Conclusion We confirmed an increased risk of CVD events and signs of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with SSc of Kinh ethnicity and both traditional and disease-related risk factors for CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen Thi Phuong
- Bach Mai Hospital Rheumatology Department, , Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hanoi Medical University Internal Medicine Department, , Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trang Dao Thi
- Hanoi Medical University Internal Medicine Department, , Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ingrid E Lundberg
- Solna, Karolinska Institutet Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, , Sweden, Stockholm
- Karolinska Institutet Center for Molecular Medicine, , Stockholm, Sweden
- Rheumatology clinic, Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Binh Nguyen Huy
- Hanoi Medical University Physiology Department, , Hanoi, Vietnam
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Watad A, McGonagle D, Bragazzi NL, Damiani G, Comaneshter D, Lidar M, Cohen AD, Amital H. Systemic sclerosis is an independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease, especially in patients carrying certain antiphospholipid antibodies: A large cross-sectional study. Eur J Intern Med 2020; 81:44-49. [PMID: 32620499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) was reported. However, contrasting findings were published concerning the role of SSc-related autoantibodies in IHD risk which remains controversial. The current study explored the link between SSc and IHD, impact of putative links on SSc mortality and the role of SSc-related and antiphospholipid autoantibodies in disease associated IHD. METHODS A large cohort study utilising the Clalit-Health-Service (CHS) database was conducted on 2431 SSc patients and 12,710 age- and sex matched controls. The proportion of IHD was compared between patients diagnosed with SSc and age- and gender-matched controls. The role of SSc-linked and antiphospholipid autoantibodies in disease associated IHD was assessed. RESULTS The prevalence rate of IHD was significantly higher in SSc than controls (20.4% vs 15.0%, p <0.001). At the multivariate analysis, SSc was an independent predictor of IHD with an OR of 1.91 (95%CI 1.57-2.31, p < 0.0001). SSc patients with IHD had a higher mortality rate with an HR of 2.67 (95%CI 2.03-3.53, p < 0.0001) than those without IHD. In SSc patients positivity for anti-beta2GPI (IgM-isotype) or anti-cardiolipin (aCL) (IgA-isotype) represented a risk factor for IHD with an OR 1.89 (95% 1.04-3.45, p = 0.0369) and OR of 3.72 (95% 1.25-11.11, p = 0.0184), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients with SSc are at higher risk for developing IHD with an additional risk for the latter in those positive for aCL or anti-beta2GPI. A high degree of suspicion is needed during routine patient follow-up and pre-emptive screening should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla Watad
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Rheumatology Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel; Section of Musculoskeletal Disease, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK.
| | - Dennis McGonagle
- Section of Musculoskeletal Disease, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicola L Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Giovanni Damiani
- Clinical Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Doron Comaneshter
- Chief Physician's Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, Clalit Health Services Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Merav Lidar
- Rheumatology Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Arnon D Cohen
- Chief Physician's Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, Clalit Health Services Tel Aviv, Israel; Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Howard Amital
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Rheumatology Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
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Sciarra I, Vasile M, Carboni A, Stefanantoni K, Iannace N, Angelelli C, Scarno AG, Valesini G, Riccieri V. Subclinical atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis: Different risk profiles among patients according to clinical manifestations. Int J Rheum Dis 2020; 24:502-509. [PMID: 33073534 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Like other autoimmune diseases, systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been described to be associated with accelerated atherosclerosis (ATS). Before clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD) occur, subclinical ATS can be investigated in different ways. AIM To evaluate the presence of subclinical ATS in a group of patients with SSc, and to identify different risk profiles among patients. METHODS Subclinical ATS was reviewed in 43 SSc patients and 27 healthy controls, using 2 methods: carotid ultrasound and flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. RESULTS Plaques were statistically more frequent in SSc patients than in controls (65% vs 30%, P = .006); intima-media thickness of common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) resulted in statistically higher (median value 0.8 mm vs 0.55 mm; P < .0001) while FMD was significantly lower (median value 9% vs 14%; P = .0086) in patients compared to healthy controls. Among the SSc patients, thickening of CCA-IMT was significantly associated with the presence of diastolic dysfunction of left ventricle (absence of diastolic dysfunction: odds ratio [OR] 0.2, 95% CI 0.04-0.92, P = .038) and with a higher Framingham score (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.03-1.6], P = .024). The diffuse cutaneous form was slightly protective against pathological FMD (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.022-0.71, P = .019). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the involvement of macrocirculation in SSc patients, detecting the presence of subclinical ATS markers more frequently in patients compared to healthy controls. Framingham score, diastolic dysfunction of left ventricle and limited cutaneous form of the disease appeared to be associated with a higher risk of developing ATS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Sciarra
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Vasile
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Carboni
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Stefanantoni
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Iannace
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Angelelli
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antongiulio G Scarno
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Valesini
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Riccieri
- Department of Clinical Internistic Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Dimitroulas T, Baniotopoulos P, Pagkopoulou E, Soulaidopoulos S, Nightingale P, Sandoo A, Karagiannis A, Douglas K, Sachinidis A, Garyfallos A, Kitas G. Subclinical atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative matched-cohort study. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1997-2004. [PMID: 32772133 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04677-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorders confer a higher risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease leading to increased morbidity and mortality and reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. CV risk in systemic sclerosis (SSc) has not been studied extensively but surrogate markers of atherosclerosis namely carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are impaired in some but not all studies in SSc patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by cIMT and PWV between two well-characterized SSc and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) cohorts. Consecutive SSc patients attending the Scleroderma Clinic were compared with RA patients recruited in the Dudley Rheumatoid Arthritis Co-morbidity Cohort (DRACCO), a prospective study examining CV burden in RA. Augmentation Index (Aix75) and cIMT were measured in all participants. Propensity score matching was utilised to select patients from the two cohorts with similar demographic characteristics, CV risk factors and inflammatory load. Unpaired analysis was performed using unpaired t test for continuous variables and χ2 test for dichotomous variables. Statistical analysis was repeated using paired t test for continuous normal variables and McNemar's test for dichotomous variables. Fifty five age- and sex-matched SSc and RA patients were included in the analysis. No difference was demonstrated between SSc and RA subjects regarding cIMT (0.66 mm vs 0.63 mm, respectively) and Aix75% measurements (33.4 vs 31.7, respectively) neither in paired (p = 0.623 for cIMT and p = 0.204 for Aix%) nor in unpaired t test analysis (p = 0.137 for cIMT and p = 0.397 for AIx%). The results of this comparative study show that subclinical atherosclerosis is comparable between SSc and RA, a systemic disease with well-defined high atherosclerotic burden. Such findings underscore the importance of CV risk management in SSc in parallel with other disease-related manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos Str. 49, Thessaloníki, Greece.
| | | | - Eleni Pagkopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos Str. 49, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Stergios Soulaidopoulos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos Str. 49, Thessaloníki, Greece.,First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Medical School of Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | - Peter Nightingale
- Wolfson Computer Labaratory, University Hospitals of Birmingham, Birmingham, NHS FT, UK
| | - Aamer Sandoo
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, George Building, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2PZ, Wales, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS FT, Russells Hall Hospital, Pensnett Road, Dudley, DY1 2HQ, UK
| | - Asterios Karagiannis
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Karen Douglas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS FT, Russells Hall Hospital, Pensnett Road, Dudley, DY1 2HQ, UK
| | - Athanasios Sachinidis
- Department of Pharmacognosy-Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos Str. 49, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - George Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS FT, Russells Hall Hospital, Pensnett Road, Dudley, DY1 2HQ, UK.,Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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[Illnesses unrelated to systemic sclerosis (IUSS) diagnosed throughout the patient's follow-up in a referral center: A cohort of 200 patients]. Rev Med Interne 2020; 41:517-522. [PMID: 32354573 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2020.03.001] [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: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our work aimed to investigate the illnesses unrelated to systemic sclerosis (IUSS), diagnosed among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) throughout their follow-up in a referral tertiary care center. METHODS All the patients with SSc followed in the Internal Medicine Department of the University Hospital between October, 2014 and December, 2015, were included. We specifically reviewed the medical records of the patients who exhibited IUSS, defined as an illness that could not be considered as a typical clinical manifestation or as a usual complication of the disease. RESULTS Two hundred patients were included, and 38 IUSS were diagnosed among 31 SSc patients, over a 4 years median follow-up period. These diagnoses included vascular diseases (26%), heart diseases (21%), neoplasia (8%), infectious diseases (6%), autoimmune diseases (5%), endocrinopathies (5%), and others (24%). The median follow-up time before IUSS diagnosis was two years. Seventeen (45%) of these diagnoses were considered in patients showing suggestive clinical signs. A specific therapy was delivered in 25 cases (66%). Group comparisons revealed that dyslipidemia was more frequent in patients with IUSS (OR = 2.6 [1.1-1.5]; p = 0.014), while no differences were found for the other characteristics. Especially, no association between auto-antibodies specificity and the occurrence of IUSS was found. CONCLUSION This study focused on IUSS in SSc patients and highlights the need for a polyvalent clinical approach all along the follow up of SSc patients.
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[Systemic sclerosis and macrovascular involvement: Status of the issue in 2019]. JOURNAL DE MÉDECINE VASCULAIRE 2019; 44:400-421. [PMID: 31761307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdmv.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare immune disease leading to fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Microvasculopathy is a hallmark of SSc. However, some patients have severe macrovascular complications as affecting cerebral, cardiac or peripheral vessels. To date, macrovascular involvement in SSc remains a matter of debate. Many studies have shown an increased prevalence of macrovascular involvement in SSc in comparison with controlled subjects with similar cardiovascular risk factors. Various methods were used: ankle brachial pressure index, intima media thickness, imagery, coronary calcium score, pulse wave velocity, or flow mediated dilation. The pathophysiology of macrovascular involvement remains unknown and is probably multifactorial: accelerated atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, or reflected wave of microvessel obliteration. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensible review of the literature, through the study of different types of involved vessels. Results of the main studies are summarized in tables according to the method of investigation used.
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Hu S, Hou Y, Wang Q, Li M, Xu D, Zeng X. Prognostic profile of systemic sclerosis: analysis of the clinical EUSTAR cohort in China. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:235. [PMID: 30348207 PMCID: PMC6235213 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1735-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis is a disease that has significant clinical heterogeneity. This study aims to determine the causes and risk factors of death in a single center European League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) cohort at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) in China. METHODS Patients clinically diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc) between Feb 2009 and Dec 2015 were prospectively recruited from the EUSTAR database and Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC) of the PUMCH. Baseline and follow-up data were collected. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with mortality. RESULTS A total of 448 patients were included in the cohort, of whom 56.7% had limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc). The average age at diagnosis was 42.8 ± 12.1 years. The prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) was 382/447 (85.5%). Among 402 patients, 348 of them took glucocorticoid during the disease course; 374 patients received immunosuppressors. Across 2167 patient-years, 40 patients died. Of these, 27 deaths were attributable to SSc, with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) being the leading cause of death. The median survival time was 53 months. Survival rates from disease diagnosis were 97.0%, 94.6%, 91.1% and 87.8% at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Independent prognostic factors for mortality were PAH (HR 6.248, 95% CI 2.855, 13.674) and arrhythmia (HR 4.729, 95% CI 1.588, 14.082). Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) (log-rank test 7.851, p 0.005) and methotrexate (MTX) (log-rank test 7.925, p = 0.005) were found in survival analysis to be protective treatments against mortality. Patients who used cyclophosphamide (CTX) during the disease course had poorer prognosis (log-rank test 5.177, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS In china, although there is a high prevalence of ILD in patients with SSc (85.5%), most of them have reserved pulmonary function, which means that interstitial lung disease (ILD) is not the most important factor in the death of patients with SSc and also is not a risk factor for poor prognosis. Only ILD with pulmonary dysfunction is associated with poor outcome. The 10-year cumulative rate (87.8%) in patients with SSc in China is slightly lower than the Europe, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and arrhythmia at baseline are independent prognostic factors, whereas PAH instead of ILD is the leading cause of death in patients with SSc. Interestingly, the Chinese traditional medicine TwHF, as a protective factor for survival deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
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Sanz Pérez I, Martínez Valle F, Guillén-del-Castillo A, Roque Pérez A, Cuéllar Calàbria H, Pizzi M, Fernández Codina A, Callejas-Moraga E, Orozco Gálvez O, Fonollosa Pla V, Simeón Aznar C. Subclinical cardiovascular disease and Systemic Sclerosis: A comparison between risk charts, quantification of coronary calcium and carotid ultrasonography. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:900-905. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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11
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Guastafierro T, Bacalini MG, Marcoccia A, Gentilini D, Pisoni S, Di Blasio AM, Corsi A, Franceschi C, Raimondo D, Spanò A, Garagnani P, Bondanini F. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in blood cells from patients with Werner syndrome. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:92. [PMID: 28861129 PMCID: PMC5577832 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Werner syndrome is a progeroid disorder characterized by premature age-related phenotypes. Although it is well established that autosomal recessive mutations in the WRN gene is responsible for Werner syndrome, the molecular alterations that lead to disease phenotype remain still unidentified. Results To address whether epigenetic changes can be associated with Werner syndrome phenotype, we analysed genome-wide DNA methylation profile using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip in the whole blood from three patients affected by Werner syndrome compared with three age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Hypermethylated probes were enriched in glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, FoxO signalling and insulin signalling pathways, while hypomethylated probes were enriched in PI3K-Akt signalling and focal adhesion pathways. Twenty-two out of 47 of the differentially methylated genes belonging to the enriched pathways resulted differentially expressed in a publicly available dataset on Werner syndrome fibroblasts. Interestingly, differentially methylated regions identified CERS1 and CERS3, two members of the ceramide synthase family. Moreover, we found differentially methylated probes within ITGA9 and ADAM12 genes, whose methylation is altered in systemic sclerosis, and within the PRDM8 gene, whose methylation is affected in dyskeratosis congenita and Down syndrome. Conclusions DNA methylation changes in the peripheral blood from Werner syndrome patients provide new insight in the pathogenesis of the disease, highlighting in some cases a functional correlation of gene expression and methylation status. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-017-0389-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Guastafierro
- UOC of Clinical Biochemistry, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.,CRIIS (Interdisciplinary, Interdepartmental and Specialistic Reference Center for Early Diagnosis of Scleroderma, Treatment of Sclerodermic Ulcers and Videocapillaroscopy), Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M G Bacalini
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Marcoccia
- CRIIS (Interdisciplinary, Interdepartmental and Specialistic Reference Center for Early Diagnosis of Scleroderma, Treatment of Sclerodermic Ulcers and Videocapillaroscopy), Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.,UOSD Ischemic Microangiopathy and Sclerodermic Ulcers, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - D Gentilini
- Centre for Biomedical Research and Technologies, Italian Auxologic Institute, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - S Pisoni
- Centre for Biomedical Research and Technologies, Italian Auxologic Institute, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - A M Di Blasio
- Centre for Biomedical Research and Technologies, Italian Auxologic Institute, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - A Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Franceschi
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center "L. Galvani", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - D Raimondo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Spanò
- UOC of Clinical Biochemistry, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - P Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center "L. Galvani", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute at Huddinge University Hospital, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.,CNR Institute for Molecular Genetics, Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Bondanini
- CRIIS (Interdisciplinary, Interdepartmental and Specialistic Reference Center for Early Diagnosis of Scleroderma, Treatment of Sclerodermic Ulcers and Videocapillaroscopy), Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy.,UOC of Clinical Pathology, Saint' Eugenio Hospital, Rome, Italy
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12
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Watelet B, Jeancolas J, Lanéelle D, Bienvenu B, Le Hello C. [Prevalence of macrovascular arterial involvement of the 4 limbs in systemic sclerosis: About a case series of 14 patients]. Rev Med Interne 2017; 38:430-435. [PMID: 28602440 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trophic disorders of the extremities are a common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc), mainly related to microvascular damage. However, SSc seems to be a risk factor for premature athero-thrombotic disease that can affect the peripheral arteries, participate in the occurrence of trophic disorders and promote the occurrence of infectious complications. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of arterial disease of the limbs in SSc patients. METHODS Consecutive inclusions in the context of a multidisciplinary consultation centered on disability of the hand with collection of clinical data [cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), history of trophic disorders of ischemic origin, peripheral pulse palpation, Allen maneuver the upper (UL) and lower limbs (LL)], and hemodynamic data (flow recorded by Doppler in radial, ulnar, anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and measurement of systolic indices ankles). RESULTS Fourteen patients were included (11 right-handers, 2 left-handers, 1 ambidextrous). The sex-ratio male/female was 0.27 and the average age of 58.1±10.4 years. The main CVRF were age and smoking. In the UL, 42.8% of patients had a history of trophic disorders, Allen maneuver was abnormal for 35.7% of the superficial palmar arch, 42.9% of ulnar pulse were not perceived and there was no recordable flow in 25% of ulnar artery. In the LL, 14.3% of patients had already presented trophic disorders toes, Allen maneuver was abnormal for 15.4% of the posterior tibial artery, 25.6% of posterior tibial pulse were not perceived and flow of 15.4% of posterior tibial arteries was pathological. CONCLUSION The distal macrovascular disease preferentially affecting the ulnar and posterior tibial arteries with a high frequency to the UL and two times less at LL. The pathophysiology is unclear but it could be a proper manifestation of SSc. It seems necessary that SSc patients have a strict balance of their CVRF and a screening of macrovascular arterial lesions. There is also the question of the place of an anti-atherosclerotic therapy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Watelet
- Service de médecine vasculaire, CHU de Caen, avenue de la Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex, France.
| | - J Jeancolas
- Service de médecine vasculaire, CHU de Caen, avenue de la Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex, France
| | - D Lanéelle
- Service de médecine vasculaire, CHU de Caen, avenue de la Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex, France
| | - B Bienvenu
- Service de médecine interne, CHU de Caen, avenue de la Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex, France
| | - C Le Hello
- Service de médecine vasculaire, CHU de Caen, avenue de la Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex, France
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13
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Sedky Abdou MM, El Desouky SM, Helmy El Kaffas KM, Ahmed Hassan AM. Premature atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis patients: Its relation to disease parameters and to traditional risk factors. Int J Rheum Dis 2016; 20:383-389. [PMID: 28036158 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM To detect premature atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and its relation to disease parameters and traditional risk factors. METHOD This study included 40 SSc patients and 40 healthy age and sex matched controls. All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, relevant laboratory and radiological investigations. Doppler ultrasonography (US) of the common carotid was performed to measure intima-media thickness (ccIMT) and Doppler US of the brachial artery was performed to measure flow mediated dilatation (FMD). RESULTS The mean value of ccIMT was 0.59 ± 0.2 mm in SSc patients and 0.51 ± 0.09 mm in controls and the difference was significant (P = 0.03). A statistically significant difference was found in mean brachial artery diameter before and after hyperemia, in flow change and in FMD between SSc patients and controls. ccIMT showed significant positive correlation with age, C-reactive protein (CRP), cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (P < 0.05). FMD showed significant positive correlation with daily dose of steroids (P = 0.04). Brachial artery diameter after hyperemia showed significant negative correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Peak systolic velocity before ischemia showed significant positive correlation with body mass index (BMI) and significant negative correlation with insulin level. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm the presence of premature atherosclerosis in SSc patients assessed by significant impairment of FMD, flow change and ccIMT, and it is associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as age, dyslipidemia and obesity (BMI) as well as with the use of steroids and markers of inflammation such as CRP and ESR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal M Sedky Abdou
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soha M El Desouky
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Abeer M Ahmed Hassan
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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14
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Ozen G, Inanc N, Unal AU, Korkmaz F, Sunbul M, Ozmen M, Akar S, Deniz R, Donmez S, Pamuk ON, Atagunduz P, Tigen K, Direskeneli H. Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Systemic Sclerosis: Not Less Frequent Than Rheumatoid Arthritis and Not Detected With Cardiovascular Risk Indices. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2016; 68:1538-46. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.22852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gulsen Ozen
- Marmara University Faculty of Medicine; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Nevsun Inanc
- Marmara University Faculty of Medicine; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ali U. Unal
- Marmara University Faculty of Medicine; Istanbul Turkey
| | | | - Murat Sunbul
- Marmara University Faculty of Medicine; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ozmen
- Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine; Izmir Turkey
| | - Servet Akar
- Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine; Izmir Turkey
| | - Rabia Deniz
- Marmara University Faculty of Medicine; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Salim Donmez
- Trakya University Faculty of Medicine; Edirne Turkey
| | - Omer N. Pamuk
- Trakya University Faculty of Medicine; Edirne Turkey
| | | | - Kursat Tigen
- Marmara University Faculty of Medicine; Istanbul Turkey
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Meiszterics Z, Tímár O, Gaszner B, Faludi R, Kehl D, Czirják L, Szűcs G, Komócsi A. Early morphologic and functional changes of atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis—a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2016; 55:2119-2130. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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16
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A critical view on cardiovascular risk in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Int 2016; 37:85-95. [PMID: 27405985 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-016-3530-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by microvascular injury and diffuse fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. While macrovascular disease and higher risk for cardiovascular events are well documented in other systemic rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, the presence and extent of atherosclerosis among patients with SSc is yet to be established. Primary cardiac involvement, due to impairment of coronary microvascular circulation and myocardial fibrosis, considerably affects prognosis and life expectancy of individuals with SSc, representing one of the leading causes of death in this population. On the other hand the existence and prevalence of atherosclerotic coronary disease remains an issue of debate as studies comparing structural and morphological markers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events between SSc patients and the general population have yielded controversial results. The aim of this review is to summarize recent literature about the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in SSc, review the surrogate markers of CVD that have been evaluated and examine whether common pathogenic mechanisms exist between SSc and macrovascular disease.
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17
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Žigon P, Mrak-Poljšak K, Lakota K, Terčelj M, Čučnik S, Tomsic M, Sodin-Semrl S. Metabolic fingerprints of human primary endothelial and fibroblast cells. Metabolomics 2016; 12:92. [PMID: 27330522 PMCID: PMC4887525 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-016-1024-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human primary cells originating from different locations within the body could differ greatly in their metabolic phenotypes, influencing both how they act during physiological/pathological processes and how susceptible/resistant they are to a variety of disease risk factors. A novel way to monitor cellular metabolism is through cell energetics assays, so we explored this approach with human primary cell types, as models of sclerotic disorders. OBJECTIVES In order to better understand pathophysiological processes at the cellular level, our goals were to measure metabolic pathway activities of endothelial cells and fibroblasts, and determine their metabolic phenotype profiles. METHODS Biolog Phenotype MicroArray™ technology was used for the first time to characterize metabolic phenotypes of diverse primary cells. These colorimetric assays enable detection of utilization of 367 specific biochemical substrates by human endothelial cells from the coronary artery (HCAEC), umbilical vein (HUVEC) and normal, healthy lung fibroblasts (NHLF). RESULTS Adenosine, inosine, d-mannose and dextrin were strongly utilized by all three cell types, comparable to glucose. Substrates metabolized solely by HCAEC were mannan, pectin, gelatin and prevalently tricarballylic acid. HUVEC did not show any uniquely metabolized substrates whereas NHLF exhibited strong utilization of sugars and carboxylic acids along with amino acids and peptides. CONCLUSION Taken together, we show for the first time that this simple energetics assay platform enables metabolic characterization of primary cells and that each of the three human cell types examined gives a unique and distinguishable profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polona Žigon
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vodnikova 62, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katjuša Mrak-Poljšak
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vodnikova 62, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Lakota
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vodnikova 62, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matic Terčelj
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vodnikova 62, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Saša Čučnik
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vodnikova 62, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Chair of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Tomsic
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vodnikova 62, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Snezna Sodin-Semrl
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vodnikova 62, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technology, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
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18
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Tejera Segura B, Ferraz-Amaro I. [Large vessels vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis]. Med Clin (Barc) 2015; 145:488-92. [PMID: 25726305 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2014.12.016] [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: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis is a severe, in many cases irreversible, manifestation that can lead to amputation. While the classical clinical manifestations of the disease have to do with the involvement of microcirculation, proximal vessels of upper and lower limbs can also be affected. This involvement of large vessels may be related to systemic sclerosis, vasculitis or atherosclerotic, and the differential diagnosis is not easy. To conduct a proper and early diagnosis, it is essential to start prompt appropriate treatment. In this review, we examine the involvement of large vessels in scleroderma, an understudied manifestation with important prognostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Tejera Segura
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España.
| | - Iván Ferraz-Amaro
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España
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19
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Ciccone MM, Scicchitano P, Zito A, Cortese F, Rotondo C, Coladonato L, Gesualdo M, Notarnicola A, Iannone F. Evaluation of differences in carotid intima-media thickness in patients affected by systemic rheumatic diseases. Intern Emerg Med 2015; 10:823-30. [PMID: 26037393 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-015-1250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate whether rheumatic autoimmune diseases, systemic sclerosis (SSc) in particular, are associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT). A total of 108 clinical outpatients (93 females), mean age 51 ± 14 years suffering from CTD were consecutively enrolled. Patients were subdivided into the following two groups: (1) Systemic Sclerosis (SSc, 60 patients); (2) non-Systemic Sclerosis (NoSSc, 48 patients). No randomization was managed. All patients underwent structured clinical interview, physical examination, laboratory evaluation and two-dimensional echo-color Doppler of the carotid arteries to measure C-IMT and atherosclerotic plaques. Framingham risk score was also calculated. We also enrolled 108 healthy controls (HC), matched by sex and age. The primary outcome was to stratify cardiovascular risk of CTD patients. There were no significant differences between SSc and NoSSc patients regarding any of the demographics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Mean C-IMT was not significantly different between the whole CTD patients (0.86 ± 0.13 mm) and HC (0.83 ± 0.13 mm). C-IMT was significantly higher in SSc than in NoSSc group (0.91 ± 0.1 mm vs 0.80 ± 0.14 mm, p < 0.001). Furthermore, C-IMT in SSc group was significantly higher than C-IMT in controls (0.91 ± 0.1 mm vs 0.83 ± 0.13 mm, p < 0.001). C-IMT did correlate neither with disease activity nor with drug intake. SSc patients had a significant increase in C-IMT as compared to NoSSc patients and healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Matteo Ciccone
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Pietro Scicchitano
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Annapaola Zito
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Cortese
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Rotondo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Coladonato
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Gesualdo
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Notarnicola
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Florenzo Iannone
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy
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Magda SL, Mincu RI, Mihai CM, Cinteza M, Vinereanu D. Atherosclerosis in Systemic Sclerosis: a Modern Controversy. MAEDICA 2015; 10:248-256. [PMID: 28261362 PMCID: PMC5327830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology. The main feature of SSc is microvascular disease, but contemporary studies in the field have confirmed the presence of macrovascular affectation. Due to its inflammatory background, and higher cardio- and cerebrovascular death rates, it is presumed that SSc is more frequently associated to accelerated atherosclerosis, similarly to other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. The assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with SSc through different methods (such as intima media thickness, echo-tracking, wave intensity, pulse wave velocity, flow mediated dilation, nitroglycerin mediated dilation, ankle brachial pressure index or coronary angiotomography) has failed to show concordant results, regardless of the used tool. In this review, we try to synthetise the most recent evidence about atherosclerotic involvement in SSc, reviewing the association between SSc and risk factors and also performing a summary of studies that compared atherosclerosis in SSc to controls. Our research leads to the conclusion that in order to elucidate the extent of atherosclerosis and its consequences in SSc, further investigations are needed, combining atherosclerosis assessment tools and larger number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania L Magda
- Department of Cardiology, Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca I Mincu
- Department of Cardiology, Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen M Mihai
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Cinteza
- Department of Cardiology, Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Vinereanu
- Department of Cardiology, Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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Cannarile F, Valentini V, Mirabelli G, Alunno A, Terenzi R, Luccioli F, Gerli R, Bartoloni E. Cardiovascular disease in systemic sclerosis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2015; 3:8. [PMID: 25705640 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2014.12.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) system involvement is a frequent complication of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It still remains unclear if a premature atherosclerosis (ATS) occurs even in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although microvascular disease is a hallmark of SSc, in the last few years a number of studies highlighted a higher prevalence of macrovascular disease in SSc patients in comparison to healthy individuals and these data have been correlated with a poorer prognosis. The mechanisms promoting ATS in SSc are not fully understood, but it is believed to be secondary to multi-system organ inflammation, endothelial wall damage and vasculopathy. Both traditional risk factors and endothelial dysfunction have been proposed to participate to the onset and progression of ATS in such patients. In particular, endothelial cell injury induced by anti-endothelial antibodies, ischemia/reperfusion damage, immune-mediated cytotoxicity represent the main causes of vascular injury together with an impaired vascular repair mechanism that determine a defective vasculogenesis. Aim of this review is to analyse both causes and clinical manifestations of macrovascular involvement and ATS in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cannarile
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Via dal Pozzo 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Valentini
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Via dal Pozzo 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Mirabelli
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Via dal Pozzo 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessia Alunno
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Via dal Pozzo 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Terenzi
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Via dal Pozzo 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Filippo Luccioli
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Via dal Pozzo 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gerli
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Via dal Pozzo 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Via dal Pozzo 06132, Perugia, Italy
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23
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Lambova S. Cardiac manifestations in systemic sclerosis. World J Cardiol 2014; 6:993-1005. [PMID: 25276300 PMCID: PMC4176808 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i9.993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary cardiac involvement, which develops as a direct consequence of systemic sclerosis (SSc), may manifest as myocardial damage, fibrosis of the conduction system, pericardial and, less frequently, as valvular disease. In addition, cardiac complications in SSc may develop as a secondary phenomenon due to pulmonary arterial hypertension and kidney pathology. The prevalence of primary cardiac involvement in SSc is variable and difficult to determine because of the diversity of cardiac manifestations, the presence of subclinical periods, the type of diagnostic tools applied, and the diversity of patient populations. When clinically manifested, cardiac involvement is thought to be an important prognostic factor. Profound microvascular disease is a pathognomonic feature of SSc, as both vasospasm and structural alterations are present. Such alterations are thought to predict macrovascular atherosclerosis over time. There are contradictory reports regarding the prevalence of atherosclerosis in SSc. According to some authors, the prevalence of atherosclerosis of the large epicardial coronary arteries is similar to that of the general population, in contrast with other rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the level of inflammation in SSc is inferior. Thus, the atherosclerotic process may not be as aggressive and not easily detectable in smaller studies. Echocardiography (especially tissue Doppler imaging), single-photon emission computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac computed tomography are sensitive techniques for earlier detection of both structural and functional scleroderma-related cardiac pathologies. Screening for subclinical cardiac involvement via modern, sensitive tools provides an opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment, which is of crucial importance for a positive outcome.
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Amaya-Amaya J, Montoya-Sánchez L, Rojas-Villarraga A. Cardiovascular involvement in autoimmune diseases. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:367359. [PMID: 25177690 PMCID: PMC4142566 DOI: 10.1155/2014/367359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AD) represent a broad spectrum of chronic conditions that may afflict specific target organs or multiple systems with a significant burden on quality of life. These conditions have common mechanisms including genetic and epigenetics factors, gender disparity, environmental triggers, pathophysiological abnormalities, and certain subphenotypes. Atherosclerosis (AT) was once considered to be a degenerative disease that was an inevitable consequence of aging. However, research in the last three decades has shown that AT is not degenerative or inevitable. It is an autoimmune-inflammatory disease associated with infectious and inflammatory factors characterized by lipoprotein metabolism alteration that leads to immune system activation with the consequent proliferation of smooth muscle cells, narrowing arteries, and atheroma formation. Both humoral and cellular immune mechanisms have been proposed to participate in the onset and progression of AT. Several risk factors, known as classic risk factors, have been described. Interestingly, the excessive cardiovascular events observed in patients with ADs are not fully explained by these factors. Several novel risk factors contribute to the development of premature vascular damage. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how traditional and nontraditional risk factors contribute to pathogenesis of CVD in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Amaya-Amaya
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 11001000 Bogotá, Colombia
- Mederi, Hospital Universitario Mayor, Calle 24 No. 29-45, 11001000 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Montoya-Sánchez
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 11001000 Bogotá, Colombia
- Mederi, Hospital Universitario Mayor, Calle 24 No. 29-45, 11001000 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Rojas-Villarraga
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 11001000 Bogotá, Colombia
- Mederi, Hospital Universitario Mayor, Calle 24 No. 29-45, 11001000 Bogotá, Colombia
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Wang DG, Tang XW, Fan Y, Leng RX, Ni J, Deng SM, Wang C, Cen H, Pan HF, Ye DQ. Decreased Flow-Mediated Dilatation in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Meta-analysis. Inflammation 2014; 37:2067-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-014-9940-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Koca SS, Özgen M, Işık B, Dağlı MN, Üstündağ B, Işık A. Serum salusin-α levels in systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Eur J Rheumatol 2014; 1:14-17. [PMID: 27708865 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2014.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), chronic inflammatory diseases, demonstrate an increased incidence of cardiovascular manifestations and subclinical atherosclerotic disease. Salusin-α is a novel bioactive peptide that suppresses the formation of macrophage foam cells, and its serum level is significantly lower in patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease. The aims of the study were to assess serum salusin-α level and its potential association with the predictors of atherosclerosis in SLE and SSc. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 20 SLE and 22 SSc patients and 23 healthy controls (HC). All of the participants were female. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6 and salusin-α levels, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were determined. RESULTS Salusin-α levels were lower and the IMTs were higher in the SLE and SSc groups than in the HC group. The salusin-α level was correlated with neither the disease activity scores nor cytokine levels and IMT in the SLE and SSc groups, although it was correlated with triglyceride level in the SLE group (r=-0.564, p=0.012), and with HOMA-IR index in the HC group (r=0.485, p=0.019). CONCLUSION The present preliminary study may support the idea that SSc leads to subclinical atherosclerosis, as in SLE. Moreover, it can be concluded that the decreased salusin-α levels in SLE and SSc may contribute to subclinical atherosclerosis. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to demonstrate this contribution in SLE and SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Süleyman Serdar Koca
- Department of Rheumatology, Fırat University Faculty of Medicine, Elazığ, Turkey
| | - Metin Özgen
- Department of Rheumatology, İnönü University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Bahar Işık
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Hospital of Aydın, Aydın, Turkey
| | | | - Bilal Üstündağ
- Department of Biochemistry, Fırat University Faculty of Medicine, Elazığ, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Işık
- Department of Rheumatology, Fırat University Faculty of Medicine, Elazığ, Turkey
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Frerix M, Stegbauer J, Kreuter A, Weiner SM. Atherosclerotic plaques occur in absence of intima-media thickening in both systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a duplexsonography study of carotid and femoral arteries and follow-up for cardiovascular events. Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16:R54. [PMID: 24548804 PMCID: PMC3978872 DOI: 10.1186/ar4489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study was (1) to determine the usefulness of intima-media thickness (IMT) in contrast to plaque assessment, (2) to examine the value of additive femoral artery sonography and (3) to identify potential risk factors for atherosclerosis and incident cardiovascular events in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. METHODS In this study, 90 SSc and 100 SLE patients were examined by duplexsonography. IMT was measured in common carotid and common femoral arteries, plaques were assessed in common, internal and external carotid and common, proximal superficial and deep femoral arteries. Different definitions of pathological IMT (pIMT) were compared with the presence of plaque. Results were evaluated in relation to traditional and non-traditional risk factors for baseline atherosclerosis (logistic regression) and their predictive value for cardiovascular events during follow-up (cox regression). RESULTS Definite atherosclerosis occurred frequently without signs of subclinical atherosclerosis in both diseases: pIMT >0.9 mm was present in only 17/59 (28.9%) SSc and 13/49 (26.5%) SLE patients with already present atherosclerotic plaques. Using age-adjusted pIMT definitions, this rate was even lower (5.1-10.3% in SSc, 14.3-26.5% in SLE). Plaques were located only at the carotid or only at the femoral arteries in 26 (13.7%) and 24 (12.6%) patients, respectively. Age and nicotine pack-years were independently associated with atherosclerotic plaques in SLE and SSc patients, as well as the cumulative prednisolone dose in SSc subgroup, and ssDNA positive SLE patients had a lower risk for atherosclerotic plaque. During follow-up (available for 129/190 (67.9%) patients, 650 person-years), cardiovascular events occurred more often in patients with coronary heart disease (adjusted-hazards ratio (HR) 10.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.04 to 34.17, P <0.001), male patients (adjusted-HR 8.78, 95% CI 2.73 to 28.19, P <0.001) and in patients with coexistent carotid and femoral plaques (adjusted-HR 5.92, 95% CI 1.55 to 22.67, P = 0.009). Patients with solely carotid or femoral plaque were not at higher risk. CONCLUSION Atherosclerotic plaque lesions can be found frequently in absence of intima-media thickening in both SSc and SLE patients. As well as routine sonography of carotid arteries, the sonography of femoral arteries is recommended to identify additional atherosclerotic lesions and to detect patients at a high risk for cardiovascular events.
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Vacca A, Montisci R, Garau P, Mathieu A. Does Subclinical Atherosclerosis Really Exist in Systemic Sclerosis? Comment on the Article by Turiel et al. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2013; 65:2062-3. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.22153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Atzeni F, Sarzi-Puttini P, Gianturco L, Turiel M. Reply: To PMID 22899452. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2013; 65:2063. [PMID: 24022893 DOI: 10.1002/acr.22154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Nordin A, Jensen-Urstad K, Björnådal L, Pettersson S, Larsson A, Svenungsson E. Ischemic arterial events and atherosclerosis in patients with systemic sclerosis: a population-based case-control study. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R87. [PMID: 23945149 PMCID: PMC3979018 DOI: 10.1186/ar4267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction While microvascular disease is well described in systemic sclerosis (SSc), it is still unclear whether the occurrence of ischemic macrovascular events and atherosclerosis is enhanced among patients with SSc. Methods In this study, 111 SSc patients (74% of prevalent cases in Stockholm County) and 105 age- and sex-comparable population controls were investigated. Previous ischemic arterial events were tabulated. As surrogate measures of atherosclerosis, plaque occurrence and intima-media thickness (IMT) were determined with carotid ultrasound and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was calculated. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were recorded and we also measured biomarkers indicating systemic inflammation and endothelial activation/dysfunction. Results Mean age was 62 ± 12 years for patients and controls. Ischemic arterial events were more common, due to increased occurrence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and ischemic peripheral vascular disease (IPVD), in the patient group (12% vs. 4%, P = 0.03 and 9% vs. 0%, P = 0.003 respectively). On a group level, there was no difference regarding the occurrence of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, the frequency of plaques, IMT or ABI between SSc patients and controls. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with anticentromere antibodies (ACA+) had more plaques and more ischemic arterial events compared to other SSc patients (67% vs. 39% and 32% vs. 11%; P = 0.006 and P = 0.01, respectively) and compared to controls (67% vs. 41% and 32% vs. 7%, P = 0.02 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Biomarkers of inflammation/endothelial activation were generally increased among SSc patients. Conclusions Patients with SSc are at enhanced risk for IHD and IPVD. The ACA+ SSc subgroup was particularly affected with both ischemic arterial events and premature atherosclerosis. The microvascular vulnerability of ACA+ patients is previously well documented. We demonstrate that ACA+ SSc patients have an enhanced risk of macrovascular injury as well. This group should be followed closely and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors should be treated at an early stage.
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Partovi S, Schulte AC, Aschwanden M, Staub D, Benz D, Imfeld S, Jacobi B, Broz P, Jäger KA, Takes M, Huegli RW, Bilecen D, Walker UA. Impaired skeletal muscle microcirculation in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2012; 14:R209. [PMID: 23036642 PMCID: PMC3580521 DOI: 10.1186/ar4047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Muscle symptoms in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may originate from altered skeletal muscle microcirculation, which can be investigated by means of blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods After ethics committee approval and written consent, 11 consecutive SSc patients (5 men, mean age 52.6 years, mean SSc disease duration 5.4 years) and 12 healthy volunteers (4 men, mean age 45.1 years) were included. Subjects with peripheral arterial occlusive disease were excluded. BOLD MRI was performed on calf muscles during cuff-induced ischemia and reactive hyperemia, using a 3-T whole-body scanner (Verio, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) and fat-suppressed single-short multi-echo echo planar imaging (EPI) with four different effective echo times. Muscle BOLD signal time courses were obtained for gastrocnemius and soleus muscles: minimal hemoglobin oxygen saturation (T2*min) and maximal T2* values (T2*max), time to T2* peak (TTP), and slopes of oxygen normalization after T2* peaking. Results The vast majority of SSc patients lacked skeletal muscle atrophy, weakness or serum creatine kinase elevation. Nevertheless, more intense oxygen desaturation during ischemia was observed in calf muscles of SSc patients (mean T2*min -15.0%), compared with controls (-9.1%, P = 0.02). SSc patients also had impaired oxygenation during hyperemia (median T2*max 9.2% vs. 20.1%, respectively, P = 0.007). The slope of muscle oxygen normalization was significantly less steep and prolonged (TTP) in SSc patients (P<0.001 for both). Similar differences were found at a separate analysis of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, with most pronounced impairment in the gastrocnemius. Conclusions BOLD MRI demonstrates a significant impairment of skeletal muscle microcirculation in SSc.
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Macedo R, Andretta M, Albers C, Skare T, Ribas-Filho JM, Czeczko NG. Avaliação da espessura do complexo médio-intimal da artéria carótida como marcador de aterogênese acelerada secundária a dano vascular na esclerose sistêmica progressiva. Rev Col Bras Cir 2012; 39:10-5. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-69912012000100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Avaliar a espessura da camada médio-intimal da artéria carótida comum em pacientes com e sem esclerodermia e verificar possível associação com sua gravidade. MÉTODOS: Em estudo caso-controle, foram selecionados 30 pacientes com esclerodermia e 30 sem a doença e pareados de acordo com a idade, sexo, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabete melito e hipercolesterolemia. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação das artérias carótidas pela ultrassonografia vascular de alta resolução e realizada a medida do espessamento da camada médio-intimal das carótidas comuns a 2cm da bifurcação carotídea. Em toda a análise foi considerado o maior valor da camada médio-intimal nas artérias carótidas direita e esquerda. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta de 30 pacientes estudados, sendo 29 (96,67%) mulheres e um homem (3,3%) com idade de 17 a 79 anos (média de 48 anos). Nesta amostra existiam 11/30 (36,67%) com hipertensão arterial, 5/30 (16,67%) com diabete melito, 6/30 (20%) com dislipidemia e 2/30 (6,67%) fumantes. Ao comparar a medida do maior risco (espessura máxima entre o lado esquerdo e o lado direito), obteve-se média de 0,77mm para o grupo esclerodermia e valor de 0,70mm para o grupo controle (p=0,212). Ao avaliar a associação entre gravidade da doença e a camada médio-intimal da carótida, não se encontrou associação significativa (p=0,925). CONCLUSÃO: Encontra-se discreto aumento do espessamento da camada médio-intimal da artéria carótida comum em pacientes com esclerodermia, mas sem significância estatística. Com relação à gravidade da doença e o espessamento da camada médio-intimal da carótida comum, não foi verificada diferença.
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Lee SG, Kim JM, Lee SH, Kim KH, Choi SA, Park EK, Jung WJ, Park YE, Park SH, Lee JW, Baek SH, Lee JH, Kim GT. Frequency of Metabolic Syndrome in Female Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: A Preliminary Report. JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES 2012. [DOI: 10.4078/jrd.2012.19.5.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Geun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Ji-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Kye-Hyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang-A Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Young-Eun Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Malgeunsem Hospital, Changwon, Korea
| | - Seong-Hu Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Young-do Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Joung-Wook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Busan St. Mary's Medical Center, Busan, Korea
| | - Seung-Hoon Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ilsin Christian Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Jun-Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ilsin Christian Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Geun-Tae Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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Abstract
Rheumatic diseases are associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Considerable differences exist in the frequency of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and events among people of different ethnic origins, but little is known of the ethnic variations in the relative distribution of CVD risk factors and the degree of atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatic diseases. Understanding this variation will provide insight into the underlying pathogenesis of CVD in patients with rheumatic diseases, and aid in future studies of the detection and management of this complication. In general, although Asian patients seem to have fewer background CVD risk factors and are less affected by metabolic syndrome (MetS) than their non-Asian counterparts, those with rheumatic disease are equally as susceptible to CVD. Furthermore, it seems that systemic inflammation and mechanisms that do not involve conventional CVD risk factors and MetS have an important role in the development of atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatic diseases. Here we examine the frequency of conventional CVD risk factors and the prevalence of MetS in both Asian and non-Asian patients with selected rheumatic diseases. We also discuss the burden of CVD, as evaluated using various surrogate markers in these patients, and their overall CVD mortality rate.
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Au K, Singh MK, Bodukam V, Bae S, Maranian P, Ogawa R, Spiegel B, McMahon M, Hahn B, Khanna D. Atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:2078-90. [PMID: 21480189 DOI: 10.1002/art.30380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by calcification, vasculopathy, and endothelial wall damage, all of which can increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether the risk of atherosclerosis is increased in SSc patients compared to healthy individuals. METHODS A systematic search was performed to identify studies published in PubMed and the Cochrane database up to May 2010, and recently published abstracts were also reviewed. Two reviewers independently screened articles to identify studies comparing the rate of atherosclerosis in SSc patients to that in healthy controls. The studies utilized one of the following methods: angiography, Doppler ultrasound to assess plaque and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, flow-mediated vasodilation (assessed as the FMD%), the ankle-brachial index, or autopsy. For carotid IMT and FMD% values, we computed a pooled estimate of the summary mean difference and explored predictors of carotid IMT using random-effects meta-regression. RESULTS Of the 3,156 articles initially identified, 31 were selected for systematic review. The meta-analysis included 14 studies assessing carotid IMT and 7 assessing brachial artery FMD%. Compared to healthy controls, SSc patients had a higher prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular calcification. Meta-analysis showed that SSc patients had increased carotid IMT (summary mean difference 0.11 mm, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.05 mm, 0.17 mm; P = 0.0006) and lower FMD% (summary mean difference -3.07%, 95% CI -5.44%, -0.69%; P = 0.01) compared to controls. There was marked heterogeneity between the studies, which was mainly attributable to variations in disease duration and differences in the mean/median age between SSc patients and controls. CONCLUSION Patients with SSc have an increased risk of atherosclerosis compared to healthy subjects. Further studies should elucidate the mechanism of this increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Au
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Ngian GS, Sahhar J, Wicks IP, Van Doornum S. Cardiovascular disease in systemic sclerosis--an emerging association? Arthritis Res Ther 2011; 13:237. [PMID: 21888685 PMCID: PMC3239376 DOI: 10.1186/ar3445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microvascular disease is a prominent feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and leads to Raynaud's phenomenon, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and scleroderma renal crisis. The presence of macrovascular disease is less well established, and, in particular, it is not known whether the prevalence of coronary heart disease in SSc is increased. Furthermore, in terms of cardiac involvement in SSc, there remains conjecture about the relative contributions of atherosclerotic macrovascular disease and myocardial microvascular disease. In this review, we summarize the literature describing cardiovascular disease in SSc, discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms common to SSc and atherosclerosis, and review the surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease which have been examined in SSc. Proposed mediators of the vasculopathy of SSc which have also been implicated in atherosclerosis include endothelial dysfunction, a reduced number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, and an increased number of microparticles. Excess cardiovascular risk in SSc is suggested by increased arterial stiffness and carotid intima thickening and reduced flow-mediated dilatation. Cohort studies of adequate size are required to resolve whether this translates into an increased incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene-Siew Ngian
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital/Western Hospital), 4th Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
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Mok MY, Lau CS, Chiu SSH, Tso AWK, Lo Y, Law LSC, Mak KF, Wong WS, Khong PL, Lam KSL. Systemic sclerosis is an independent risk factor for increased coronary artery calcium deposition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:1387-95. [DOI: 10.1002/art.30283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Cusmà Piccione M, Bagnato G, Zito C, Di Bella G, Caliri A, Catalano M, Longordo C, Oreto G, Bagnato G, Carerj S. Early Identification of Vascular Damage in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis. Angiology 2011; 62:338-43. [DOI: 10.1177/0003319710387918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Vascular involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. We assessed arterial stiffness using a new echo-tracking technique in patients with SSc asymptomatic for cardiovascular diseases. We enrolled 22 patients (21 female, 63 ± 14 years) and 20 controls (12 female, 62 ± 3 years). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was comparable between the 2 groups (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.0 ± 0.4 mm, P = ns), whereas the stiffness parameters were significantly increased in patients (β: 9.5 ± 4.2 vs 5.8 ± 1.1, P = .001; pulse wave velocity [PWV]: 6.5 ± 1.5 vs 5.2 ± 0.6 m/sec, P = .003). A correlation between stiffness parameters, anti-Scl-70 antibodies (β: r = .46, P = .03; PWV: r = .50, P = .02), and anticentromere antibodies (β: r = -.54, P = .020; PWV: r = -.53, P = .023) was found. Echo-tracking technique may be valuable in early identification of vascular involvement in patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianluca Bagnato
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Concetta Zito
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Di Bella
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Annalisa Caliri
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Mariarita Catalano
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Caterina Longordo
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Oreto
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Gianfilippo Bagnato
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Scipione Carerj
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology, University of Messina, Italy
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Toms TE, Panoulas VF, Kitas GD. Dyslipidaemia in rheumatological autoimmune diseases. Open Cardiovasc Med J 2011; 5:64-75. [PMID: 21660202 PMCID: PMC3109701 DOI: 10.2174/1874192401105010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Revised: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmunity forms the basis of many rheumatological diseases, and may contribute not only to the classical clinical manifestations but also to the complications. Many of the autoimmune rheumatological diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are associated with an excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Much of this excess cardiovascular risk can be attributed to atherosclerotic disease. Atherosclerosis is a complex pathological process, with dyslipidaemia and inflammation fundamental to all stages of plaque evolution. The heightened inflammatory state seen in conjunction with many rheumatological diseases may accelerate plaque formation, both through direct effects on the arterial wall and indirectly through inflammation-mediated alterations in the lipid profile. Alongside these factors, antibodies produced as part of the autoimmune nature of these conditions may lead to alterations in the lipid profile and promote atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss the association between several of the rheumatological autoimmune diseases and dyslipidaemia, and the potential cardiovascular impact this may confer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey E Toms
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands, UK
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Soltész P, Kerekes G, Dér H, Szücs G, Szántó S, Kiss E, Bodolay E, Zeher M, Timár O, Szodoray P, Szegedi G, Szekanecz Z. Comparative assessment of vascular function in autoimmune rheumatic diseases: considerations of prevention and treatment. Autoimmun Rev 2011; 10:416-25. [PMID: 21281743 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2011] [Accepted: 01/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Numerous autoimmune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases have been associated with accelerated atherosclerosis or other types of vasculopathy leading to increased cardio- and cerebrovascular disease risk. Traditional risk factors, as well as the role of systemic inflammation including cytokines, chemokines, proteases, autoantibodies, adhesion receptors and others have been implicated in the development of these vascular pathologies. The characteristics of vasculopathies may significantly differ depending on the underlying disease. While classical accelerated atherosclerosis has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or spondyloarthropathies (SpA), obliterative vasculopathy may rather be characteristic for systemic sclerosis (SSc) or mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Antiphospholipid antibodies have been implicated in vasculopathies underlying SLE, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), RA and MCTD. There is also heterogeneity with respect to inflammatory risk factors. Cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or interleukin 6 (IL-6) and immune complexes are primarily involved in arthritides, such as RA, SpA, as well as in SLE. On the other hand, autoantibodies including anti-oxLDL anti-cardiolipin and anti-β2GPI are rather involved in SLE- and APS-associated vasculopathies. Regarding the non-invasive assessment of vascular function, endothelial dysfunction, overt atherosclerosis and vascular stiffness may be indicated by brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) and aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV), respectively. These abnormalities have been described in most inflammatory rheumatic diseases. While ccIMT and stiffness are relatively stable, FMD may be influenced by many confounding factors. In addition to traditional vasculoprotection, immunosuppressive agents including corticosteroids, traditional and biologic DMARDs may have significant vascular and metabolic effects. The official EULAR recommendations on the assessment and management of cardiovascular disease in arthritides have just been published, and similar recommendations in connective tissue diseases are to be developed soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pál Soltész
- University of Debrecen Medical and Health Sciences Center, Institute of Medicine, Third Department of Medicine, Angiology and Intensive Care Unit, Debrecen, Hungary
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Visfatin levels and intima-media thicknesses in rheumatic diseases. Clin Rheumatol 2010; 30:757-63. [PMID: 21165753 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-010-1649-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases lead to increased prevalence of atherosclerosis. However, this early and accelerated atherosclerosis cannot be explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors alone. The permanent overexpression of cellular adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines in chronic inflammatory conditions may participate in accelerated atherosclerosis. Visfatin, a novel adipocytokine, has a potential insulin-like action and pro-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine serum visfatin level and its association with common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), which is a predictor of atherosclerosis, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and Behçet's disease (BD). The study involved 29 RA, 26 SLE, 25 SSc, 30 BD patients, and 29 healthy controls (HC). Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and visfatin were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indexes, and IMTs were determined. Serum visfatin level was higher in the RA group than all the other groups. In addition, visfatin level was higher in the active BD subgroup than the inactive BD subgroup. In the study groups, visfatin levels were not correlated with HOMA-IR indexes and IMTs. Whereas visfatin serum concentration was not associated with insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis in selected rheumatic diseases, it was higher in the RA and active BD groups, but not in the SLE and SSc groups. Visfatin levels may be associated with Th1/Th2 balance. Further studies are needed for more precise elucidation of the pro-inflammatory activities of visfatin.
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Vacca A, Garau P, Piga M, Cauli A, Mathieu A. Coronary atherosclerosis using computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with systemic sclerosis: comment on the article by Mok et al. Scand J Rheumatol 2010; 39:524-5; author reply 526. [PMID: 21110797 DOI: 10.3109/03009741003789111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology, characterized by enhanced fibrosis, and microvascular abnormalities. During the past several decades, the death rates due to cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease in SSc patients substantially increased and are currently responsible for 20-30% of mortality. Various autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus accelerate atherosclerosis. Although microvascular disease is a hallmark of SSc, an ongoing debate exists regarding the presence and extent of macrovascular diseases and the presence of accelerated atherosclerosis in SSc patients. Despite conflicting results as to intima-media thickness (IMT) in SSc patients, the most recent and largest study has found no difference in either plaque occurrence or IMT. Additionally, abnormal coronary flow reserve in SSc patients appears to be due to microvascular involvement rather than atherosclerosis of the epicardial coronary arteries. Angiographic findings as well as computed tomography studies have generated conflicting reports as to coronary atherosclerosis in SSc. Herein, we review the current knowledge of macrovascular involvement and atherosclerosis in SSc. The differences between SSc and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases in the presence and extent of atherosclerosis need to be further investigated.
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Rossi P, Granel B, Marziale D, Le Mée F, Francès Y. Endothelial function and hemodynamics in systemic sclerosis. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2010; 30:453-9. [PMID: 20718808 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-097x.2010.00965.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by the development of fibrosis of skin and internal organs that is associated with vascular damage. However, its related parameters have not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to investigate endothelial function in SSc and its relationship with systolic pulmonary artery pressure and systemic arterial compliance (SAC). METHODS We studied 14 SSc females (4 with diffuse and 10 with limited cutaneous form of the disease) and 14 healthy controls matched for age and for cardiovascular risk factors. Endothelium-dependent dilation (i.e. flow-mediated) and endothelium-independent (i.e. nitroglycerin-induced) dilation of the brachial artery were measured as the percentage of change from baseline (FMD and NMD, respectively). In patients with SSc, SAC, cardiac output (CO), systemic arterial resistance and pulmonary artery pressure were estimated using echocardiography Doppler. RESULTS Heart rate, brachial artery pressure and body mass index did not differ between patients with SSc and controls. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and NMD were significantly decreased in patients with SSc (10.3 ± 8.6 versus 26.6 ± 7.4%, P<0.001; 24.2 ± 8.4 versus 33.3 ± 10.1%, P<0.001, respectively). Postischaemia reactive hyperaemia was lower in patients with SSc (275 ± 185 versus 618 ± 366%, P<0.001). FMD and nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD) were associated with CO, but not with SAC; moreover, FMD correlated with pulmonary artery pressure and peripheral arterial resistance conversely to NMD. CONCLUSIONS Endothelium function in SSc is impaired independently to SAC. Furthermore, the severity of both small artery and pulmonary artery involvement may impact on endothelium-dependent function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Rossi
- Internal Medicine department, North Hospital, Chemin des Bourrely, Marseille Cedex, France.
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Tsifetaki N, Georgiadis AN, Alamanos Y, Fanis S, Argyropoulou MI, Drosos AA. Subclinical atherosclerosis in scleroderma patients. Scand J Rheumatol 2010; 39:326-9. [PMID: 20476856 DOI: 10.3109/03009741003605648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS Sixty-six patients with SSc who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the disease were included. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined in all patients. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques were measured. Patients with a history of atherosclerosis, hypertension, smokers, or patients suffering from conditions that affect the lipid profile, such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, liver or kidney diseases, Cushing's syndrome, obesity, and a history of familial dyslipidaemia, were excluded. Patients receiving medication affecting lipid metabolism were also excluded from the study. Fifty-one age- and sex-matched non-smoking volunteers were used as controls. RESULTS Sixty patients were investigated. Six were excluded. Of these, two were smokers, two had diabetes mellitus, one hypothyroidism, and one had hypertension treated with diuretics. Patients with SSc exhibited mild dyslipidaemia expressed mainly by low serum levels of HDL-C and high TC (p < 0.001 and p < 0.021, respectively) compared to controls. In addition, the atherogenic ratio LDL-C/HDL-C was significantly higher among SSc patients (p < 0.0001). Common carotid artery IMTs were higher in SSc compared to controls (0.77 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.59 +/- 0.14, p < 0.0001). No correlation between IMTs and any SSc features were found. Logistic regression analysis showed an independent association of scleroderma with IMTs and TC. CONCLUSION The scleroderma patients exhibited an atherogenic lipid profile and subclinical atherosclerosis and have an increased risk for cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tsifetaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Clinic, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Liu J, Zhang Y, Cao TS, Duan YY, Yuan LJ, Yang YL, Li Y, Yao L. Preferential macrovasculopathy in systemic sclerosis detected by regional pulse wave velocity from wave intensity analysis: Comparisons of local and regional arterial stiffness parameters in cases and controls. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2010; 63:579-87. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.20306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Abstract
Objective—
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether rheumatic disease is associated with an increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT; increasingly used as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis) when compared with healthy control subjects.
Methods and Results—
A prespecified search strategy was used to identify relevant studies in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2008). Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score for observational studies. A total of 68 controlled comparisons from 60 different studies were reviewed: 25 (37%) on rheumatoid arthritis, 24 (35%) on systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 (9%) on systemic sclerosis, and 13 (19%) on other rheumatic diseases. Random-effects meta-regression analysis was performed. The estimated summary effect size between control and study subject CIMT measurement comparisons, with preexisting cardiovascular disease excluded, was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.46 to 0.82). This represented an overall absolute mean difference of 0.06 mm (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.06 mm). Preexisting cardiovascular disease, rheumatic disease type, and disease duration contributed to heterogeneity.
Conclusion—
Accelerated atherosclerosis is a common complication of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with early changes seen even in pediatric patients. CIMT was significantly increased in rheumatic disease populations. Future studies need to use a standardized protocol to ensure clinically meaningful results when measuring CIMT as a surrogate for premature atherosclerosis.
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Denny MF, Yalavarthi S, Zhao W, Thacker SG, Anderson M, Sandy AR, McCune WJ, Kaplan MJ. A distinct subset of proinflammatory neutrophils isolated from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus induces vascular damage and synthesizes type I IFNs. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:3284-97. [PMID: 20164424 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 507] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophil-specific genes are abundant in PBMC microarrays from lupus patients because of the presence of low-density granulocytes (LDGs) in mononuclear cell fractions. The functionality and pathogenicity of these LDGs have not been characterized. We developed a technique to purify LDGs from lupus PBMCs and assessed their phenotype, function, and potential role in disease pathogenesis. LDGs, their autologous lupus neutrophils, and healthy control neutrophils were compared with regard to their microbicidal and phagocytic capacities, generation of reactive oxygen species, activation status, inflammatory cytokine profile, and type I IFN expression and signatures. The capacity of LDGs to kill endothelial cells and their antiangiogenic potential were also assessed. LDGs display an activated phenotype, secrete increased levels of type I IFNs, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma, but show impaired phagocytic potential. LDGs induce significant endothelial cell cytotoxicity and synthesize sufficient levels of type I IFNs to disrupt the capacity of endothelial progenitor cells to differentiate into mature endothelial cells. LDG depletion restores the functional capacity of endothelial progenitor cells. We conclude that lupus LDGs are proinflammatory and display pathogenic features, including the capacity to synthesize type I IFNs. They may play an important dual role in premature cardiovascular disease development in systemic lupus erythematosus by simultaneously mediating enhanced vascular damage and inhibiting vascular repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Denny
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Müller-Ladner U, Distler O, Ibba-Manneschi L, Neumann E, Gay S. Mechanisms of vascular damage in systemic sclerosis. Autoimmunity 2010; 42:587-95. [PMID: 19863377 DOI: 10.1080/08916930903002487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Although being classified as autoimmune connective tissue disease, dominant components of the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc) consists of mechanisms of vascular damage, which can occur early in the course of the disease. Amongst them are abnormal vasoreactivity, hypoxia, insufficient neoangiogenesis and direct damage of vascular and perivascular cells. They result in a decreased capillary blood flow, and subsequently in clinically overt symptoms such as Raynaud's syndrome and fingertip ulcers. In addition, in active disease vascular pathology can affect various other organs, predominantly the lung, the kidney, the heart but also the gastrointestinal tract. Vascular pathology contributes also significantly to overall morbidity and mortality in SSc patients and reduces life expectancy by at least a decade. Fortunately, molecular biology has revealed a number of underlying pathways on the cellular and subcellular levels, including key factors of the aberrant function of (peri)vascular cells and autoimmune effector cells, the dysregulation of vasoconstrictive molecules and their receptors, the upregulation of intracellular signaling kinases and the altered balance of hypoxia-induced vascular growth factors. This increasing knowledge of vascular pathology in SSc has also resulted in novel therapeutic approaches ranging from endothelin antagonists to application of progenitor cells to counteract this aberrant vascular pathology and to support the repair of the dysfunctional vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Müller-Ladner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Kerckhoff Clinic, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Benekestrasse 2-8, D-61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
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Bes C, Vardi S, Güven M, Soy M. Werner's syndrome: a quite rare disease for differential diagnosis of scleroderma. Rheumatol Int 2009; 30:695-8. [PMID: 19495768 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-009-0982-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Werner's syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging. The main features of the disease are scleroderma-like skin appearance, premature atherosclerosis, short stature, diabetes mellitus, early osteoporosis and early aging. Herein, we describe a patient with WS, who has scleroderma-like skin changes and discuss the literature about WS as a disease in the differential diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemal Bes
- Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Department, Izzet Baysal Medical Faculty, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Gölköy, Bolu, Turkey.
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